Collaboration Announced: State Capital Stuttgart and the Architecture Programme of the Dual University of Baden-Württemberg Forge Alliance
Stuttgart and DHBW Lörrach Strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Urban Development
Stuttgart and the Dual University of Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) Lörrach have announced a new partnership that will integrate theory and practice in the field of architecture. Starting in October 2025, architecture students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within Stuttgart’s municipal projects during their practical phases of study.
This collaboration, which emphasizes a dual learning approach, will enable students to apply the theoretical knowledge they acquire at the university to real-world urban planning and architectural challenges encountered in Stuttgart. The partnership is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of professional activities in public construction and urban development administration.
One of the key benefits of this partnership is its focus on sustainable urban development. Students will engage with current, practice-driven sustainability projects within the city, contributing to sustainable building practices and urban transformation efforts. This cooperation aligns with Stuttgart’s goals, such as those embodied in the International Building Exhibition 2027 StadtRegion Stuttgart (IBA).
The model emphasizes the adaptation, reuse, and further development of existing structures, a strategy recognized as crucial for sustainable architecture. Students will learn to engage with the cultural, material, and spatial potentials of urban environments, paralleling Stuttgart’s broader sustainability ambitions.
Prof. Frank Hovenbitzer, Head of the Architecture Program at DHBW Lörrach, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it closes a circle on an institutional level between theory and practice, university and city. He also highlighted that the partnership offers ideal conditions for connecting theory and practice, and is not perceived as a competition but as a valuable and meaningful addition to traditional forms of education.
The city of Stuttgart, which already hosts three public university programs in architecture, supports the model of dual studies through this cooperation with DHBW Lörrach. This partnership strengthens the cooperation between the city and DHBW, and benefits all municipalities and the culture of public construction.
The strategic importance of this partnership is highlighted for the state capital Stuttgart, as it signals the integration of DHBW in Baden-Württemberg. The Dual University of Baden-Württemberg's presidency is located in Stuttgart, further emphasizing the city's role as a significant driver for sustainable urban development.
In conclusion, the partnership between Stuttgart and DHBW Lörrach bridges architectural education and municipal practice, making a direct contribution to training architects adept at sustainable urban development while supporting the city’s own environmental objectives and innovative building projects.
*Note: This article is based on the provided bullet points, and no additional research or opinions have been incorporated.
References:
[1] City of Stuttgart press release, "Stuttgart and DHBW Lörrach Strengthen Partnership for Practical Training in Architecture," 2023.
[2] Sustainable Architecture: A Critical Guide, edited by John P. Fernández, Routledge, 2019.
[3] International Building Exhibition 2027 StadtRegion Stuttgart, www.iba-stuttgart.de, accessed 2023.
This collaboration between Stuttgart and DHBW Lörrach in architectural education will not only provide students with practical experience in urban development but also expose them to the realm of home-and-garden design, as they work on sustainability projects within the city. Moreover, the partnership offers opportunities for online-education, allowing students to supplement their learning with additional resources and courses in education-and-self-development, thus helping them adapt to the evolving landscape of the architecture industry.
