Bridging Cultures and Redefining Urban Futures: Morgan State University’s Rotterdam Experience

Students and Faculty Collaborate on Global Urban Challenges and Innovative Solutions

Last March, Morgan State University’s School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) embarked on a transformative 10-day journey to Rotterdam, Netherlands, blending academic rigor with cultural exploration. The trip, held from March 15–25, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in international collaboration and hands-on learning as students and faculty worked alongside the Rotterdamse Academie van Bouwkunst (RAvB) to address urban challenges through innovative, community-centered solutions. In all, a total of nine graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Architecture and Planning, accompanied by associate professors Cristina Murphy and Coleman Jordan, participated in the experience. This is the school’s second such trip to the Netherlands since 2023. They are looking to return next March.

A Learning Experience Beyond Borders

Unlike previous trips, this most recent program was embedded within an academic course for credit, requiring students to submit a letter of intention and actively contribute to trip preparations, including fundraising, arranging travel, and securing accommodations. This holistic approach ensured participants were fully invested in every aspect of the journey.

At the heart of the trip was the collaboration with RAvB’s Studio10 initiative, Hef in Eigen Handen (I Hef a Dream), which focused on creating a shared vision for the youth and community of Feijenood, particularly the HEFHOUSE initiative. Students supported the project through workshops, site visits, and collaborative design sessions, all aimed at fostering community empowerment, equitable urban development, and sustainable practices. 

The itinerary combined workshops, site visits, and presentations, offering students a comprehensive view of urban development practices in Northern Europe. Key components included:

1. Workshops at HEFHOUSE: Through role-playing and community engagement exercises, students gained insights into the challenges faced by Feijenood residents and explored design solutions for a more inclusive urban environment.
2. Site Visits Across Europe: The group visited Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Antwerp, delving into themes like disinvestment, gentrification, participatory design, and the circular economy. Notable stops included the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, the Zinneke Parade headquarters in Brussels, and various innovative architecture firms.
3. Architecture and Sustainability: Visits to Powerhouse Company, SuperUse Studios, and GroupA/CarbonLAB showcased groundbreaking approaches to sustainable design, such as energy-positive buildings, material reuse, and carbon-conscious architecture.
4. Final Presentation at HEFHOUSE: The culmination of the trip was a dynamic presentation where students shared their findings with local practitioners, academics, and community members. Their proposals emphasized public space improvements, job creation, educational initiatives, and fostering a stronger community voice.

The trip offered an invaluable opportunity to compare urban development approaches. The Dutch model, characterized by a top-down planning strategy, prioritizes efficiency and centralized decision-making but risks excluding marginalized voices. In contrast, the U.S. emphasizes participatory design, empowering communities to co-create solutions tailored to their unique needs. Balancing these approaches was a recurring theme, as students explored how to combine the efficiency of top-down planning with the inclusivity of grassroots initiatives.

The trip wasn’t all work. Students experienced the vibrant culture of the Netherlands and Belgium, from sampling local cuisines to exploring historic sites. A particularly memorable moment came during Ramadan when the community hosted the group for a traditional Turkish meal after their presentations, exemplifying the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Building Bridges: A Path to Sustainable Urban Futures

Morgan’s collaboration with RAvB and the broader Rotterdam community underscores the importance of global partnerships in addressing urban challenges. By blending zero-carbon, circular design principles with community-driven approaches, students contributed to a vision of equitable and resilient urban development—a vision that aligns with Morgan’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

This transformative experience was made possible through the support of the Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee and the generosity of sponsors, including Junica Development, Jeffrey Penza & Laura Thul Penza, and many others. Their contributions enabled students to engage in this life-changing educational journey.

As the students returned to Baltimore, they brought back not only new skills and knowledge but also a renewed commitment to tackling urban challenges with creativity and compassion. This trip set the stage for future collaborations, ensuring that Morgan State University remains at the forefront of global architectural and urban design education.

This experience exemplifies the power of international education to inspire the next generation of architects and planners to think globally while acting locally. Together, Morgan and its partners are shaping a brighter, more inclusive urban future for all.

The original version of this recounting was provided by Cristina C. Murphy, Associate Professor at Morgan State University, School of Architecture and Planning. Photo credit: Cristina C. Murphy