TU Delft Summer School: Planning & Design for the Just City (July 2026)
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TU Delft Summer School 2026 | Planning & Design for the Just City Join Now
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Apply for the TU Delft Summer School 2026: “Planning & Design for the Just City.” Two-week global program exploring sustainable, equitable urban design and spatial justice. Deadline January 15, 2026.TU Delft Summer School 2026
What Is the Program?
The “Planning & Design for the Just City” Summer School at TU Delft is a globally recognized short-term course hosted by the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment (Department of Urbanism) in Delft, Netherlands. The 2026 edition runs July 6–17, 2026, and admits 100 participants from around the world.
Designed for students, recent graduates, and young professionals regardless of background the program engages participants in urban planning, social equity, sustainability, and spatial justice. Through lectures, studios, and practical design work, participants explore how cities can be planned for fairness, resilience, and inclusivity.
Who Can Apply & Eligibility
- Students currently enrolled in higher-education (after at least one year), recent graduates, and PhD candidates are eligible.
- While backgrounds in architecture, urbanism, design, engineering, or environmental studies are relevant, the program is open to diverse disciplines geographers, social scientists, engineers, historians, designers, etc.
- Ideal candidates are motivated, creative, globally minded, and passionate about urban justice and sustainable development. Selection is based on motivation letter and a short self-introduction video.
What You’ll Learn & Experience
This Summer School blends theory and hands-on practice:
- Spatial Justice & Sustainable Urbanism: Explore how equitable access to services, fair distribution of resources, inclusive mobility, and social sustainability shape just cities.
- Urban Planning & Design Studio Work: Collaborate on real-world inspired projects envisioning spatial strategies, urban interventions, and design proposals for cities facing climate, social and infrastructure challenges.
- Climate Resilience & Water Management: Given the Netherlands’ legacy in water management and climate-smart urban planning, expect modules on sustainability, resilience mapping, and adaptive urban design (common in this program’s history).
- Global and Inclusive Perspective: Interact with classmates from different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds exchange ideas, build networks, and co-create inclusive urban visions.
Fees, Costs & Scholarships
- Program fee: €600 covering all course activities: lectures, design studios, field visits, course materials, social events, and final certificate.
- Not included: Participants must arrange and pay for their own accommodation, travel to/from Delft, and daily meals. TU Delft may offer guidance on housing but does not provide accommodation.
- Scholarships/Financial Aid: A limited number of scholarships are available, especially aimed at candidates from underrepresented regions or backgrounds (for example, special scholarship lines for Sub-Saharan Africa in past editions).
Application Timeline & Process
- Deadline for applications: January 15, 2026.
- Application Requirements: Motivation letter (~800 words), a short self-introduction video (≈ 3 minutes), and proof of current enrollment or recent graduation.
- Selection Process: Limited to 100 participants selection based on motivation, demonstrated interest in urban justice/improvement, and capacity for cross-disciplinary thinking.
Why This Summer School Is Worth It
- Reputation & Expertise: TU Delft is globally recognized for urbanism and architecture giving you access to world-class faculty and thought leaders in spatial planning and justice.
- Real-world Impact: The program emphasizes spatial justice, sustainability, and inclusive urban design equipping you to contribute to real urban development challenges in your home country or community.
- Global Network & Collaboration: Work alongside fellow participants from around the world. Past cohorts have come from dozens of countries enhancing cultural understanding and networking.
- Creative Design + Policy Insight: Learn not only design but also urban strategy, policy thinking, climate resilience, and social planning giving a holistic skill set.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official TU Delft Summer School application portal (linked on their website).
- Draft and polish your motivation letter (≈ 800 words) explain your interest, background, and what you hope to contribute and learn.
- Create a 3-minute self-introduction video introduce yourself, your studies/background, and your vision for a “Just City.”
- Prepare proof of enrollment or graduation.
- Complete the online application form before 15 January 2026.
- Wait for selection results typically communicated a few weeks after the deadline.
Final Thoughts & Why You Should Apply
The TU Delft Summer School Planning & Design for the Just City is more than a summer course: it’s a gateway to understanding how cities can be planned for fairness, resilience, and sustainability. For passionate urbanists, planners, designers, social-justice advocates, engineers, and dreamers this is a unique chance to build skills, expand horizons, and influence how future cities are imagined and built.