Redesigning the Rust Together
What are the challenges that the Ruhr Area in Germany and the American Rust Belt face when staking out a future for themselves? What are some of the success factors for turning formerly heavily industrialized regions into sustainable urban areas? The goal of the The Future of My City is to bring students of both regions together and provide them with thought-provoking impulses and inspiration in order to create solutions of challenges of their respective region.
The Rust Belt
Detroit, MI, River Walk |
Pittsburgh, PA, Subway |
Once known as the industrial heartland of the U.S., the Northeast region along the Great Lakes is nowadays often referred to as Rust Belt, indicating the shrinkage of its once-powerful industrial sector. Cities like Detroit and Cleveland are considered at the heart of the Rust Belt. They formed the Great American Manufacturing Cities before World War II. After the economic downfall of the region, new types of R&D-intensive nontraditional manufacturing have emerged recently in Rust Belt, creating a promising venue for the Rust Belt's ongoing revitalization. Read More
The Ruhr Area
Bottrop Tetraeder |
Bochum Subway |
Formerly Germany's coal-mining and heavy industry region, the Ruhr Area forms one of the largest conurbations in Europe with 5 million residents. Located in the West of Germany, it consists of several large, industrial cities bordered by the rivers Ruhr to the south. Innovation and partnership are guiding principles for the Ruhr area’s remarkable transition from a coal and steel powerhouse to one of Germany’s most cutting-edge science regions. Read More
Project Team