The fourth edition of the Open House Essen Architecture Festival was themed "Transformation in the Ruhr Area: Buildings. People. Dialogue." In our video, we look back on the festival and show how architecture, culture, and dialogue have moved the city and the region.

We are thrilled to invite you, together with the Irish Architecture Foundation and Open House Brno, to the second Annual Summit of Open House Europe . On January 30th and 31st, 2025, architects, experts and urban enthusiasts will meet in Dublin to discuss the future of our cities. Under the title "The City Invites", everything revolves around the question of how accessibility and inclusion can transform our cities into open and welcoming places. Over 70 delegates from 20 countries – including renowned architects such as Grafton Architects and O'Donnell + Tuomey – will be present. Perspectives from Essen, the Ruhr area and North Rhine-Westphalia are represented by our fantastic panelists: Timo Hauge, Team Leader, Industrial Culture Team, Department for Culture, Sport and Industrial Culture, Regional Association Ruhr Felix Hemmers, Project Manager and Curator, Baukultur NRW What you can expect: The City Imagined: The architects behind Dublin's Temple Bar (1991) share their visions. Panels on topics such as participatory democracy, creative reuse of urban spaces and universal design. The grand finale of the Open House Europe 2024 program, in which over a dozen festivals across Europe explored the inclusive side of the built environment. Where? The Printworks, Dublin Castle When? January 30th & 31st, 2025 Details about the program can be found at architecturefoundation.ie and openhouseeurope.org The Open House Europe project is co-financed by the European Union and coordinated by Architektūros fondas. The Annual Summit is co-organized by the Open House Essen Festival / Forum for Art and Architecture.

We invite young architects with international backgrounds to exchange ideas, network, and learn from each other. Are you interested in talking about your architecture studies and the building culture of your home country – and at the same time getting to know the city where you currently work or would like to work better? Then the Forum for Young International Architects 2025 is exactly the right place for you. What is it about? The focus is on similarities and differences in the architecture of various countries – as well as cultural factors that shape building practices. How is architecture conveyed and communicated? What language does it speak? How is it understood in urban spaces? ​ Together we will discuss and analyze how origin, education, and local contexts influence architecture – and what perspectives arise from this for the future. Experienced architects from Essen will contribute their perspectives. ​ What can you expect? Meet and network with architects from different countries – who, just like you, live, work, or want to start their career in Essen or the surrounding area. Intergenerational exchange with renowned architects from Essen. Reflection and presentation of your own work: You have the opportunity to talk about your studies, your projects, and the architecture of your city. Participation in a public exhibition and lecture series The best presentations will be awarded prizes. ​ Who are we looking for? We are looking for architects up to 35 years old who: have completed their architecture studies abroad (Bachelor's or Master's degree), live in Essen or the surrounding area, work here or plan to establish a professional life here, They are at the beginning of their professional careers and are eager for exchange, networking and visibility. ​ Important information Application deadline: August 31, 2025 Project period: August to October 2025 Venues: Forum Art and Architecture, Art Space Holy Spirit at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein ​ Here's how to apply: Send us a brief expression of interest (max. 1 A4 page) including: Your name & background Motivation for participation Optional: Link to portfolio or project ​ Email to: info@openhouseessen.org Subject: “Application Forum 2025” ​ The “Forum for Young International Architects” is an initiative of the Association of German Architects and the international architecture festival Open House Essen.