Edition 2021 of the CircuCity summer school took place during 2 full weeks in September 2021. The summer school, coordinated by Ghent University, was held on 3 different locations in parallel. Depending on the location, the students followed the programme online or blended with classes on location. The school in Ghent (Belgium) and Mondragón (Spain) allowed students to be present on campus and work in groups, but also follow the streamed lessons. The school in Krakow (Poland) ran entirely online, allowing non-EU students to join as well.
The Circu City summer school 2021 was supported by EIT Rawmaterials. MEERI (Poland), Mondragon University (Spain, Basque Country) and Ghent University (Belgium – coordinator) jointly organised the school, with additional support of the industrial partner ERION (Italy).
Programme
The programme was composed of 4 inter-woven training lines.
- a series of interactive lectures and workshops given by experts in the field related to a variety of aspects of the circular economy. Case studies from companies showcased good practices in the circular economy, in particular the renewable energy and e-mobility transition, sustainable water management and recycling of wastes. These sessions were organised online for all students together.
- Some crucial elements are taken up separately in thematic group research: industrial symbiosis, sharing economy, urban food systems, sustainable buildings, urban mobility. Throughout the summer school, the thematic groups studied cases and presented their findings to all other participants. This form of micro-teaching ensured an in-depth approach and allowed students to work on a theme that best fits their profile. Each thematic group was composed of about 15 students.
- A multi-day tournament was woven through the seminars and lectures. For this tournament, small groups of students were challenged to re-design a city district, meanwhile working towards sustainable development goals and dealing with 3 challenges: Water, Energy, and Raw Materials. Each group presented its ideas and innovative solutions to deal with the challenges gradually throughout the week. At the end of the summer school, the final city design was presented and evaluated by the Tournament Board. There were 3 case study districts for the city tournament: Krakow (Poland), Ghent (Belgium), Mondragón (Spain). Local and international experts guided and evaluate the tournament.
- Additional sessions: visits, cultural activities, games, leisure,…
A testimonial video of the edition in Mondragón: