Organized by the Chair of Structural Design at TU Dresden and held at TU Dresden’s Design Campus in Pillnitz, the Circular Design Challenge 2025 brings together students, researchers, and professionals from around the globe to explore sustainable architecture and engineering. In collaboration with Penn State University, led by Assistant Professor Orsolya Gáspár, the summer school fosters innovation and promotes environmental responsibility through circular design principles and material reuse.
Participants will engage in interdisciplinary teamwork, creating solutions that contribute to carbon-neutral cities and circular economies. They will work on practical design challenges and apply the principles of the 9Rs (Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, and Recycle).
2025
Next edition of the program
6+
Partner institutions
25–30
Students from around the world
“A transformative space where sustainability meets creativity”
~ Circular Design Challenge Team
Our mission:
We aim to create an environment where creativity and responsibility merge, empowering participants with the skills and connections necessary to become leaders in circular design. Participants will leave the program with a portfolio of innovative designs and a renewed commitment to sustainable practices.
– Circular Design Challenge Team
FAQs
What can you expect from this summer school?
An immersive, hands-on learning experience in sustainable and circular architecture. You’ll attend expert lectures, participate in interdisciplinary design workshops, collaborate internationally, and develop a real-world project using reclaimed materials—all culminating in a public exhibition.
When will the summer school be held?
August 12 – 22, 2025
Where is the summer school held?
The program will take place at the Design Campus in Pillnitz, Dresden, Germany—a vibrant setting surrounded by nature and historical architecture.
What is covered by the participation fee?
The estimated €250 fee includes:
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Tuition and workshop access
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Accommodation
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Materials for design projects
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Local transportation during the program
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Some meals and event catering
What do you need to cover for yourself?
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Travel to and from Dresden
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Personal expenses
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Meals outside scheduled events
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Optional leisure or cultural activities
Who are the invited speakers?
A diverse group of leading academics and practitioners in sustainable architecture, including:
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Beckh – TU Dresden
Specialist in lightweight structures and circularity in architectural design. - Thomas A. Geisler – Director, Kunstgewerbemuseum Dresden
Opening remarks and program introduction. - Asst. Prof. Orsolya Gáspár – Penn State
Expert in structurally informed design and geometry. - Jagoda Cupać, PhD – TU Delft
Focus on reuse and recallability of glass, creator of a glass reuse database. - Jonas Warmuth, PhD – EPFL
Co-developer of the PHOENIX3D plugin for Grasshopper—supporting circular structural design. - Prof. Dr. Mario Rinke – University of Antwerp
Researcher in circularity in building materials and architecture. - Dr.-Ing. Arch. Katharina Neubauer – Material and Space / Concular
Co-founder of THOMAS and Concular, expert in material circularity. - Tobias Hatzfeld, PhDc – UNU-FLORES
Researcher in Life Cycle Assessment and material sustainability.
When will I know if my application for summer school has been accepted?
You will be notified about the status of your summer school application in the first week of July. Notifications will be sent via email to the address you provided in your application.