For the first time, the UrbanPlan simulation – developed by the international organization Urban Land Institute (ULI) – was hosted at the Deutsche Schule Genf.
Our 12th-grade students took on the roles of competing development companies, tasked with addressing key challenges of modern urban planning: environmental sustainability, mobility, affordable housing, and citizen participation. Their mission: to design a neighborhood that is both ecologically responsible and socially inclusive – and to present it convincingly to a mock city council.
The resulting projects were diverse and impressive. Students proposed creative cultural and recreational facilities, youth centers, affordable housing – all with a strong focus on ecological sustainability. Some even included fresh air corridors, solar-oriented building design, and thoughtfully planned public green spaces. At the same time, each project had to meet financial return requirements and comply with existing infrastructure and zoning regulations.
The true challenge of the simulation lay in balancing the interests of different stakeholders, all within the constraints of urban policy and planning rules. In the final stage, each group had to pitch their proposal to a professional jury – persuasively and with clarity.
The jury included:
– Birgit Rahn-Werner (ULI Member Executive Committee)
– Reimer Siegert (Chair of ULI Switzerland)
– Michael Loose (Chair of ULI Suisse romande)
– Stephanie Loose (UN-Habitat), serving as an external assessor
The winning team of the DSG internal competition, THE GROUP, consisted of Anouk Theissen, Max Wall, Markus Pohl, Lucia Putz, Luise Morlang, and Cedric Völlinger. Their project stood out for its strong presentation, precise use of technical vocabulary, and a clear vision of a sustainable district developed through a participatory process. It showcased social diversity and integration into the existing urban fabric.
Ms. Loose, representing UN-Habitat, noted that all teams implemented key principles promoted by the United Nations for modern urban planning, including:
– the importance of ecological sustainability and public transport development
– social diversity in housing and mixed-use zoning
– active citizen participation in neighborhood planning
A meaningful and demanding experience
Each group succeeded in placing people at the center of their design, envisioning cities that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially just and inclusive. UrbanPlan raises awareness among the next generation and plays an active role in shaping the future of our cities.
A demanding and enriching experience, the workshop offered students hands-on insight into a variety of disciplines and career paths – from urban planning and architecture to economics and civic engagement.
