Seminar Inclusive neighbourhoods Ricardo Pozo Marielly Casanova Conrad Kürzdörfer

Historically the industrial conurbation of the Ruhr region has been an important receptor of migration in Germany, and even Europe. Specially, during the first phase of reconstruction in the post-war period it became a new home for several families from different countries and cultures (Wehling, 2009). Foreign families settled in Essen with the aim of finding a better life for them and their children. Nowadays, their second and third generations contribute to shape the socio-cultural diversity and economic dynamics from this region. Nevertheless, due to the recent explosion of civil wars and economic crisis in North Africa and East Europe, the migration flows of refugees to Europe, and particularly to Germany, skyrocketed exponentially (BMF, 2015). The city of Essen seeks to address with this new challenge, but the reality is harder and complex for local communities as well as for refugees. With this seminar we intend to introduce students to the current refugee situation in Germany by understanding the problems and limitations, but moreover the potentials and opportunities. Through the research of successful case studies and the analysis of the existing neighbourhoods where the new refugee towns are located, students will be able to propose urban planning interventions and strategies to contribute to the discussion for an immediate action to start the integration of refugees both in society and the urban life. Profilschwerpunkt Urbane Systeme Universität Duisburg-Essen WiSe 2015/16 Sustainable Urban Techno., Dr. Hochmuth Elke