NEWS

Saturday, 18 May 2024

EVENT TITLE: PLANADES, REPRESENTED BY ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROF. DR. TABASSAM RAZA, ENGAGES IN CROSS-CULTURAL PLANNING WORKSHOP IN GERMANY

Dortmund, Germany - May 18, 2024 - The Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc. (PLANADES) represented by its Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Tabassam Raza, recently participated in the Spring Workshop in Technische Universität (TU) Dortmund. University, Germany entitled, “Planning in Germany and Pakistan: Cross-Cultural Perception of Urban and Rural Landscape and Cultural Heritage”. The workshop, spanning from May 11th to May 18th, aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding in urban and rural planning between Germany and Pakistan.

The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from esteemed academics, including Prof. Dr. Dietwald Gruehn from TU Dortmund University and Prof. Dr. Shaker Mahmood from University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan, among others. Prof. Dr. Raza delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in addressing planning challenges.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in a variety of activities aimed at deepening their understanding of planning methodologies and practices. Prof. Dr. Raza led sessions on research methodologies alongside Dr. Bryce Lawrence of TU Dortmund University, where participants learned effective approaches to studying urban and rural landscapes.

The workshop itinerary included a series of enriching experiences:

Day 1: Arrival in Germany

The workshop began on May 11th with participants arriving in Germany, landing in Düsseldorf and Köln.

Day 2: Welcome Speeches and Introduction to DAAD Project

On May 12th, participants were greeted with welcome speeches from prominent academics including Prof. Dr. Gruehn from TU Dortmund University, Prof. Dr. Shaker from UET, Prof. Atiq Ur Rahman from Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Umer Khayyam form National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) Islamabad, Pakistan, and Asst. Prof. Safiullah from NUST. Prof. Dr. Raza also delivered a welcome speech. The day's agenda included an introduction to the DAAD research project by Dr. Mohammad Bashirizadeh and Prof. Dr. Gruehn of TU Dortmund and an overview of the workshop, followed by the formation and categorization of thematic research groups.

Day 3: Training on Research Methodologies

On May 13th, Prof. Dr. Raza and Dr. Lawrence conducted a training session and lecture on research methodologies at TU Dortmund. Participants engaged in group work focused on developing research methodologies and preparing for the upcoming Winter School.

Day 4: Finalizing Research Methodologies

The following day, May 14th, continued with group work where participants finalized their research results. The day concluded with wrap-up discussions, pin-up sessions, and a bank appointment for DAAD-funded students.

Day 5: Presentations and Closing Ceremony

May 15th featured final presentations by the groups, reflecting on the outcomes of their research. The day ended with a closing ceremony where certificates were distributed to the participants.

Day 6: Site Visit in Kassel

Following the conclusion of the formal workshop activities, participants embarked on a site visit to Kassel on May 16th.

Day 7: Site Visit in Berlin

On May 17th, participants explored Berlin, gaining firsthand experiences of diverse landscapes and cultural heritage sites, enhancing their understanding of the workshop's themes.

Day 8: Free Activities and Conclusion

The workshop concluded on May 18th with free activities before participants departed from Berlin.

Prof. Dr. Raza's active participation and expertise significantly enriched the dialogue throughout the workshop, highlighting PLANADES’ commitment to fostering international cooperation in urban and rural planning.