First published 21 June 2024
Three QUT students are on their way to The Netherlands to attend a summer school with a focus on how to design and create ethical, sustainable, and equal cities.
Jada Gilbert, Stephanie Kline and Charlize Kierpal will attend the prestigious TU Delft Summer School Planning and Design for the Just City, from July 1-12 at the Delft University of Technology.
Hosted by the Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment at TU Delft, the school is staged each year by its Centre for the Just City and Chair of Spatial Planning and Strategy.
It brings together spatial planning, urban design and environmental technology to tackle issues of spatial justice, sustainability, climate adaptation and water management in urban transitions to sustainability.
The agenda is driven by the goals of the New Urban Agenda, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in Quito, Ecuador, in 2016, as well as the UN’s sustainable development goals and the European Green Deal.
Professor Karen Vella, Head of the QUT School of Architecture and Built Environment, said the school would also explore the Dutch tradition of planning and design with water.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Jada, Stephanie and Charlize. They’ll be at the forefront of an increasingly powerful push to create cities that put spatial justice at the heart of urban development, from the economic, social, and environmental points of view,” Professor Vella said.
“Urban planners have a role to play in making cities equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. Jada, Stephanie, and Charlize, like many of our students, are heading into careers that have the chance to make a real-world difference.”
The summer school includes site visits, talks with professionals and academics and a short studio-based exercise, where students and teachers will explore possibilities through the elaboration of a spatial vision, the design of a spatial strategy and spatial interventions in a Dutch city located in one of the most important and challenging urbanised delta regions of the world.
Jada Gilbert, Wakka Wakka woman studying for her Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture) and Urban Development (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning), believes the experience will enhance her goal of becoming a designer who considers country along with what is needed for the functionality of people in urban places.
“TU Delft is renowned for its expertise in urban planning and design and will offer valuable insights and the chance to gain specialised knowledge and skills that compliment my education at QUT,” said Jada, who also works at Arcadia Landscape Architecture.
“It also will allow for immersion in a diverse and vibrant academic environment fostering collaboration and networking with peers from around the world.”
Stephanie Kline, studying for her Bachelor of Urban Development (Urban and Regional Planning) (Honours), said she is excited at the prospect of learning from an international perspective.
“Practitioners in Europe have different considerations to us. The focus on a ‘Just City’ is so important because ethics and equality are crucial in the planning profession. It will be really great learning more about this as it is an area where development is always necessary,” Stephanie said.
“My dream is to work in a space where ethics and sustainability are at the forefront of all decision making and communities are considered in the planning process.”
Charlize Kierpal is completing her Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) at QUT while also working as a student urban planner for Brisbane-based Urbicus and is interested in the holistic approach that planning requires for sustainable outcomes to benefit future generations.
“As urban planning addresses economic, social, and environmental realms of development, thoughtful considerations and in-depth research must be actioned for an informed and beneficial result,” Charlize said.
“For me, the discipline is a constant opportunity for learning about sustainability for our future, understanding development advice through engagement with other professionals, and a career where every day will be different from the last. Pursuing a career in urban development means I will never stop learning.
“In Delft, I expect to gain new perspectives on urban planning. My current scope of practices is informed by the local laws and planning schemes, moulded for the specific strategic outcomes of South East Queensland. I believe networking overseas, with peers of diverse cultures and lifestyles, will challenge me to adopt new viewpoints.”
Learn more about studying urban and regional planning at the upcoming QUT Open Day on Sunday July 28 at the Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses.
Main image: QUT students (l-r) Jada Gilbert, Stephanie Kline (top right) and Charlize Kierpal (bottom right). Photo: Anthony Weate, QUT Marketing & Communication
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 3151, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
