Hear it from the cohort
My fellow urbanists, egalitarians, explorers, those of you who believe in a world fuelled by clean, renewable energy and cities that nurture quality life for all; this was the best summer school of my entire education. Plus, Delft is a magical city; beauty to inspire.
Heather TroutmanUSA · Activist
I have been sharing this at my school with a lot of passion. I still go through my sketches and pictures and get a lot of goose bumps. I confess that this memory drives me every day!
Jean Carlos Paz Vega DiasPuerto Rico · Architect
10 days at TU Delft? I had not expected how interesting my time at Planning and Design with Water would be! Activities were all amazing and I learned a lot! In only 10 days, I was able to understand how a totally complex country works at its best with water, and how innovation, ecology, water and infrastructure can bond! Coming from a small country like Albania, I met a lot of different students from all around the world, in such a friendly environment! If it was possible, I would love to enrol in this Summer School again and again. Thank you TU Delft for one of the best experiences in my life!
Merita KukaAlbania · Architect, Polytechnic University of Tirana
The Summer School at TU Delft was a great journey, in terms of 10 days of new experiences, achievements, knowledge, making friendships, fun and enjoyment, discovering a new city and a new lifestyle. It was a challenge that gave me the chance to learn, practise and listen to new ideas, while enjoying the freedom to think while making a creative project. I enjoyed the summer school a lot and will never forget those days. I’d recommend not missing a chance to have an experience that’s totally different from a regular university project. It’s not only lessons in planning and design, but also lessons in life and being happy.
Atoosa MarzbanIran · Studying at Politecnico di Milano
Participation in the Summer School at TU Delft was a great opportunity for me, to be involved in a distinctive city culture and be part of it while exploring the Dutch tradition of planning and design with water. I was so impressed by the attention and careful attitude to climate and design with water that, upon my return home, my friends and I organised the 5th Minsk Architectural Forum on a similar theme: development and strategic planning of the Minsk water-green diameter. Thanks to the Summer School, and the cool, highly professional people at TU Delft, I became confident about what I want to do with my life. So: great people, great Delft, and great urbanism!
Liza ShilichevaBelarus · Architect
Due to the effects of climate change, cities around the world are now having to engage with water infrastructure techniques to mitigate flooding. While many cities in North America are now beginning to implement flood prevention measures, such measures have been used and refined by the Dutch for centuries, so training in the Planning and Design with Water programme at TU Delft comes with the expertise and prestige of Dutch subject-matter experts. I noted a water infrastructure project in the Netherlands that I learned about at TU Delft two years ago being referenced at a conference I attended last week, and I am often one of the few people in design charrettes bringing urban water design techniques to the table. TU Delft’s programme definitely helped put me ahead of the curve when it comes to planning and designing with water to support spaces that are more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Alice DixonCanada · Activist
The experience I gained from this summer school was truly unique, both in terms of making acquaintances and expanding my knowledge. For me, a civil engineer, the summer school helped me gain an aspect I had never considered before, zooming out from the original engineering perspective and helping me see the bigger picture. Technicalities aside, I also met some awesome people I am still in touch with, both staff and students. TU Delft is a leading university in this field, and the people organising it are thoughtful and make you feel at ease the moment you step in. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the environmental side of either engineering or urban planning — it was an invaluable experience, both for my academic background and for me as a person. I am grateful to have attended it.
Aris GolemisGreece · Civil Engineer
It is important to find a person, team or organisation that helps you link diverse knowledge into one solid, strong line — the Summer School is exactly that. Sharing previously gained experience with other participants and tutors gives you a wave of fresh ideas and energy to put all that knowledge to work in your own city. It’s so good when someone can open your eyes like that!
Natasha KurmashovaBelarus · Architect