This year, we once again welcomed architecture and urbanism students from China to our Summer School. During the programme, they worked on the design of neighbourhoods featuring biobased housing solutions. In addition, they visited a range of inspiring locations and innovation hotspots throughout South Limburg, gaining insight into the region’s spatial, cultural and sustainable development ambitions.

At the New Regional Bauhaus in Heerlen, students from TU Berlin and North China University of Technology joined our Winterschool to develop spatial visions for the Trans Regio Express. Their work explored how station areas can become strategic hubs within a future cross-border Daily Urban System in the Euregio Maas–Rhine.

In Eijsden, students from RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin and North China University of Technology studied the potential of this small train station within a cross-border Daily-Urban-System. This was part of the Trans Regio Express project, focusing on future mobility in the Euregion.

In Heerlen, participants of the International Learning Lab collaborated on the technical development and façade design of three inner-city buildings. Commissioned by Stichting Atelier Stadsrevisie and supervised by Michel Huisman and Bertille Soogelee, the work supported permit applications.

In Maastricht, participants of the International Learning Lab joined ‘Heel Maastricht Bakt!’, a playful baking event hosted by our partner Bureau Europa. Young designers created edible versions of iconic buildings, dream houses and unbuilt projects — all contributing to a large-scale, cookie-shaped city model of Maastricht.

In Maastricht, participants of the International Learning Lab conducted a research-by-design study on the future of Randwyck. Focusing on housing, working, parking, public space, and the southern extension of the Groene Loper, the team explored spatial challenges through visionary design.

Students from RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin and North China University of Technology collaborated on a design for a Pavilion of Emotions in Heerlen North. The project explored emotional resilience in post-industrial urban areas. The group also visited Brussels and Maastricht for comparative urban analysis.

The New Regional Bauhaus is an initiative of RWTH Aachen Lehrstuhl und Institut für Städtebau. It is located at the city center of Heerlen in the Netherlands. Here, international students work on regional plans, concerning the cross-border region around southern Dutch Limburg.

The International Learning Lab exhibited its works at Maastricht Bureau Europa. The library room was filled with drawings and models produced by young creatives participating the ILL programme. The exhibition took place from 01-09 to 12-11-2024 and welcomed many vistors during this period.