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Department of Spatial Planning
Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

Team Retreat 2026

© VPL ​/​ TU Dortmund
From 5 to 7 October, the VPL team came together at Haus Villigst in Schwerte for our second retreat of 2026.

The three days allowed us to focus on the questions that will shape the months ahead. We exchanged perspectives on projects, future topics in mobility and transport planning, AI in teaching, and the competences we want to develop further. In particular, we discussed how API frameworks could help structure access to data, and how these technical foundations might support future research projects.

We also discussed potential collaborations, funding opportunities and conference activities, translating these discussions into concrete responsibilities and next steps.

The time outside the workshop sessions was equally valuable. We had a great time in Schwerte, with space for conversations and for getting to know each other better across projects and roles. A highlight was our visit to the LWL Museum of Industrial Culture Zeche Zollern in Dortmund. Exploring its historic machine hall and hoisting engine offered a memorable perspective on the Ruhr region’s industrial heritage.

We return with clearer priorities, a better understanding of each other’s expertise, and renewed momentum for the winter semester. We look forward to building on these discussions in research, teaching, and collaboration with other universities, companies and public authorities.