During the summer semester of 2025, architecture students at KIT, in collaboration with the town of Ettlingen, developed concepts for the future of the Spinnerei site. Under the guidance of the Chairs of International Urban Planning and Hydraulic Engineering, experimental ideas were generated to stimulate discussion. The designs demonstrate how the historic industrial site can be transformed into a multifunctional neighbourhood with new transport and programme possibilities. In doing so, they combine water management, flood protection and rainwater management with urban green spaces, open spaces and biodiversity corridors.

We are glad to announce the start of the Impromptu City Concepting. The assignment will be available on June 22nd at 8 am on Ilias. Questions can be asked online on June 22nd at 2 pm.

Martin Duplantier Architects

We are glad to announce that registration for the report and panel discussion "Housing Construction in Times of Multiple Crises", taking place on July 7th in Karlsruhe, is open now. Admission is free, however, space is limited, so please register.

Looking forward to meeting you on Juy 7th.

ISTB

On May 19, the first mid-term presentation of the BA4 design studio "Context" took place. The students displayed their conceptual approaches, discussed the suggested goals, and presented their first design ideas for the project at the Karlsruhe Rhine Harbor.

We are looking forward to the further development of the projects throughout the semester.

ISTB

On May 21, the first mid-term presentation of the design studio „Pfinztal - From City to Countryside“ took place in Pfinztal. Students from KIT presented their analysis results and initial conceptual ideas together with students from Ukraine, who joined the presentation online. We were very pleased to be in Pfinztal for the first PinUp and would like to thank the Municipality of Pfinztal for the close exchange and valuable feedback.

We are looking forward to the further development of the projects and to the continued collaboration throughout the semester.

Our most recent field trip with our BA4 studio took us to Frankfurt and Strasbourg. Over the course of two days, the students explored various neighborhoods and could gather new ideas and inspiration for their design project at the Karlsruhe Rhine Harbor.
We are looking forward to discussing their design ideas and development concepts for the two design areas.

The semester program for the upcoming semester is now online. Here you will find the different events and their contents. We are looking forward to exciting results.

ISTB

On January 22, the second mid-term presentation of the urban design studio “Lasna!dee” took place. Within the framework of the design theme “Perspectives for Resilient Neighborhoods in Kuristiku,” the students presented their conceptual approaches, discussed the proposed goals, and showcased their initial design ideas. We are looking forward to the studio’s final results.

ISTB

Last week we said goodbye to the graduates of the summer term. Aimée, Lena, Lukas Nicolas, Sara and Stephanie presented their highly qualified master theses successfully, including typological design and strategical solutions, in local as well as in an international context. Well done – our congratulations!

On June 6th Niku Khaleghi has very successfully presented her doctoral thesis „Assessing the Walkability of Tehran Organic Street Network Based on the Networks Form“. The dissertation evaluates the diverse street patterns in the Iranian capital with regard to the cultural, spatial and geographical conditions specific characteristics that significantly influence walkability. The research addresses a worldwide relevant topic as important prerequisite for sustainable urban development, which in the context of Iran and many other cities in the Middle East still is in the shadow of the scientific debate and planning policies. Congratulations, Dr. Khaleghi!

The results of the seminar Metropol.x_Kharkiv present different facets of the Ukrainian city, right at the border with Russia. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine with a population of about two million, before Russia´s war of aggression broke out. As one of the most important scientific, industrial, trade, and transportation centers of Ukraine, Kharkiv has played a significant role in the nation’s history. The booklet is available at the chair.

The results of the seminar Metropol.x_Brussels present different facets of the Belgium capital. Causes and symptoms of segregation in Molenbeek, the importance of the Expo on the transportation infrastructure and the food culture are only some of the various topics that are discussed in individual maps, elaborated by the students. The booklet is available at the chair.

The book „Large Housing Estates under Socialism“ by Barbara Engel and Nikolas Rogge is now available via open access. Harnessing large urban housing estates in former socialist countries as a resource for the future housing supply requires innovative and practicable strategies and concepts. The contributors present experiences and perspectives from different disciplines on sustainable development of mass housing districts, both in academia and practice.