BI summer school 2025

About

Have you ever considered the vital role that water plays in shaping cities and societies? Berlin, a city defined by its rivers, canals, and lakes, provides the perfect setting to explore the dynamic relationship between water and urban life. This is your opportunity to delve into one of the most pressing socio-urban issues of our time and contribute to innovative solutions for the future.

This summer, 2025, at Berlin International, we are continuing our journey of discovery with the BI Summer School. Over two exciting weeks, participants will collaborate with experts in urban studies, environmental science, and design to analyze and reimagine Berlin’s water systems. Water is the foundation of civilization—yet, in many contemporary urban environments, its importance is often overlooked or exploited. Through this program, we will explore its ecological, infrastructural, and cultural significance while identifying new ways to manage and sustain this invaluable resource.

Summer 2025 - “On Water”

The second BI Summer School focuses on topics related to "Water" to study and document the city of Berlin. Water historically is the reason why most cities and civilizations exist/thrive yet its importance is often neglected or deliberately undermined.

"On Water" alludes to the systems that connect different parts of the city and structure the intricate ebbs and flows of people, culture, and commerce animating the urban spaces that we inhabit. This topic puts forth the critical role that ecology and natural resources play in our cities. "Water" is essential and finite, amorphous yet heavily controlled.

This opportunity is unique! In this two-week program in July 2025, together we will investigate the role of "Water" in Berlin and unravel its potential to shape the future of other cities

Course leader

Pierre Escobar, John Tubles

Target group

students, young professionals in architecture or related fields

Course aim

The BI Summer School 2025, On Water, aims to critically explore the relationship between water and urban life, using Berlin as a living laboratory. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, participants will analyze the ecological, infrastructural, and cultural significance of water in shaping cities. The program seeks to challenge conventional approaches to water management, revealing its potential as a driver of sustainable urban futures. By documenting, mapping, and reimagining Berlin’s waterways, students will engage with pressing socio-environmental issues and contribute to innovative strategies for resilient, water-conscious urbanism

Fee info