IFHP x VDM Learning Labs

The Learning Labs aims to foster knowledge exchange and develop practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented across diverse urban contexts. Through a blend of international expertise, case studies, and collaborative discussions, this series will lay the groundwork for innovative urban planning strategies adaptable to cities worldwide.

28.05.2025 #5

Changing Demographics: Urban Migration and Governance

During this fifth session we will explore how shifting population dynamics and urban migration are reshaping governance and housing systems. As people move to cities in search of better opportunities, these demographic changes present both challenges and opportunities for urban planning, housing, and policy development.

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Session overview

Demographic Shifts and Population Dynamics

Urban migration—driven by factors like economic opportunity, climate change, and political instability—has led to rapid population growth in cities worldwide. Understanding these shifts is crucial for forecasting housing needs, infrastructure requirements, and social services. This session will analyze key demographic trends, such as youth migration, aging populations, and the increasing diversity of urban dwellers, to better understand their impact on cities.

Governance Models for Mobility

Urban migration requires adaptive governance models that can respond to fluctuating population sizes, mobility patterns, and the diverse needs of migrants. This discussion will focus on how governance systems can be designed to support urban mobility, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment for all residents—especially migrants and displaced populations.

Housing Systems and Urban Migration

Shifting population dynamics often lead to housing crises in cities that struggle to accommodate rapid migration. This session will explore how housing systems must evolve to accommodate new migrants, prevent overcrowding, and promote affordable housing. It will also consider the role of temporary and transitional housing solutions, such as refugee camps or migrant hostels, and their integration into long-term urban planning.

This session will provide participants with a deeper understanding of how shifting population dynamics are challenging urban governance and housing systems, while also offering innovative solutions and governance models to better manage urban migration and demographic changes.

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Speakers

Dr. Sheikh Serajul Hakim is a Professor of Architecture at Khulna University, Bangladesh, specializing in urban informal settlements, rural-urban migration, and climate-resilient housing. His research delves into the socio-spatial dynamics of displacement, the politics of housing, and the resilience of coastal and informal communities. Dr. Hakim will present several of his studies, “On the Water’s Edge: Rural Migrants and the Continuum of Livelihood Vulnerabilities in the Waterfront Informal Settlements of Khulna, Bangladesh.” This work examines how environmental displacement, particularly from riverbank erosion, cyclones, and flooding pushes rural populations into precarious urban living conditions. Sheikh will touch upon integration of temporary and transitional housing solutions, in relation to his studies ”Camp-Life and Social Integration: Case of the Displaced Biharis in Khulna, Bangladesh”and “State-led housing paradigms & counter-urbanism from ‘below’: the case of (transitotioning) resettlement projects from Khulna, Bangladesh”

Hanna Rudner works as the program coordinator at Buurthuis De Bol, a resident-run and community-claimed center located in a social housing neighborhood in Amsterdam. This area is home to a large population with a migration background, predominantly from Morocco and Turkey. In her role, Hanna supports a wide range of self-organized initiatives that reflect the needs and aspirations of local residents, which highlights how inclusive governance and community leadership can emerge from the grassroots level, influencing broader urban development processes. Hannah will touch upon the main drivers for migration, the diverse needs of migrants and the challenges and opportunities related to funding and institutional support.

Dr. Yvonne Franz is an urban geographer and senior lecturer at the University of Vienna, where she also serves as Vice Director of Studies in Geography and Scientific Director of the postgraduate program “Cooperative Urban and Regional Development.” Her research explores urban transformation processes with a strong emphasis on how cities respond to shifting patterns of migration and mobility. Dr. Franz has worked extensively on themes such as gentrification, social innovation, housing markets, and multi-level urban governance. Dr. Franz will offer a broader policy perspective on how cities can adapt their governance structures to promote inclusion, manage diversity, and provide equitable access to housing and services. Her reflections will serve to connect the lived experiences and grassroots practices with the institutional, planning, and policy dimensions of urban migration.

24.09.2025 #6

Housing Policies and Socio-economic Inequality

This sixth session will examine how housing policies influence social and economic inequality, exploring the role of urban development strategies in either perpetuating or addressing disparities. It will focus on how inclusive housing policies can contribute to social equity and help create more just, resilient cities.

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Session overview

Social Equity in Urban Development

Housing is a key driver of social and economic mobility. This discussion will explore how urban development and housing policies can either exacerbate or reduce inequality, particularly for low-income, marginalized, and minority communities. By focusing on social equity, we can ensure that urban growth benefits all residents, not just the wealthy or privileged.

Inclusive Housing Strategies

Inclusive housing strategies aim to create diverse, mixed-income communities where all people, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to affordable and quality housing. This session will explore policy approaches that promote affordable housing for all, including rent control, inclusionary zoning, and subsidies for low-income renters and homeowners.

The Role of Housing Policies in Perpetuating Inequality

While some housing policies can reduce inequality, others may exacerbate disparities by prioritizing market-driven development or neglecting the needs of low-income populations. This discussion will analyze how current housing policies may perpetuate socio-economic inequality and consider reforms to ensure housing serves as a tool for social equity.

This session will explore how housing policies can either widen or narrow the socio-economic divide and offer actionable strategies for creating more inclusive, equitable urban environments. Participants will gain insights into best practices for implementing policies that promote social justice and reduce inequality in cities.

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29.10.2025 #7

Planning Crisis: Quantity vs. Quality Housing Debate

This seventh session will address the ongoing debate in urban planning between prioritizing the quantity of housing versus ensuring the quality of housing. It will focus on how urban planning can enhance climate resilience by integrating sustainability and climate-adaptive strategies into housing development.

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Session overview

Sustainability Integration in Housing Planning

As cities grow, there is increasing pressure to provide enough housing for expanding populations. However, this often comes at the expense of quality, leading to poorly planned, unsustainable developments. This discussion will explore how sustainability can be integrated into housing planning, ensuring that new developments are not only plentiful but also environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and resilient to climate change.

Climate-Adaptive Planning for Housing

As climate change increasingly impacts urban areas, housing must be built to withstand extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing temperatures. This part of the session will focus on climate-adaptive planning strategies that make housing more resilient to these challenges, such as flood-resistant construction, heat-resistant materials, and energy-efficient designs that minimize the carbon footprint of both individual buildings and entire neighborhoods.

Balancing Quantity and Quality in Housing Development

The core of the debate between quantity and quality lies in how urban planning can balance the need for more housing with the imperative to ensure these homes are livable, sustainable, and resilient. This discussion will analyze how cities can provide enough housing without compromising on the quality of life for residents, considering both the rapid demand for housing and the urgent need for environmentally responsible planning.

This session will explore strategies for balancing the need for more housing with the necessity of building quality, climate-resilient homes, providing practical solutions to enhance urban planning and sustainability in the face of climate change. Participants will engage in discussions on how to integrate sustainability and climate-adaptive planning into housing development to ensure more resilient and livable cities for future generations.

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26.11.2025 #8

Housing Crisis: Affordable for Whom?

During this eighth session we will explore the complex question of “affordable housing,” analyzing the varying definitions and implementations across different regions and governance structures. It will examine the distinction between social housing and affordable housing, and how these models can address the diverse needs of urban populations.

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Session overview

Defining Affordable Housing

The term “affordable housing” can mean different things in different contexts, depending on income levels, local housing markets, and governmental policies. This discussion will focus on how affordable housing is defined in various regions, examining income thresholds, rent-to-income ratios, and the role of government subsidies. We will also explore how affordability criteria impact different social groups, including low-income families, renters, and first-time homebuyers.

Social Housing vs. Affordable Housing

Social housing and affordable housing are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct characteristics, especially in terms of government involvement, target populations, and funding mechanisms. This session will compare the two models, exploring the differences in governance, eligibility criteria, and the impact on socio-economic equity. It will also examine how these housing models address housing insecurity in various urban and rural contexts.

Regional and Governance Differences in Affordable Housing

The implementation of affordable and social housing varies widely across regions and governance structures, influenced by local policies, economic conditions, and political priorities. This discussion will compare how different regions (e.g., Europe, North America, and developing countries) address housing affordability, and how varying governance systems (centralized vs. decentralized) impact housing outcomes.

This session will provide a comparative analysis of affordable and social housing models, helping participants understand the diverse approaches to addressing the housing crisis. By examining regional and governance differences, we can explore how to make housing genuinely affordable for those who need it most, while also ensuring that housing policies promote social equity and long-term sustainability.

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PREVIOUS SESSIONS

We are excited to share a publication which summarizes each session in detail. This resource is designed to give you an in-depth look at the key discussions, insights, and takeaways from all the sessions, allowing you to revisit or catch up on everything you may have missed.

Whether you’re looking for highlights, expert perspectives, or actionable ideas, this page has it all in one place. We invite you to explore the full content and stay informed on the latest developments and debates. You can find the link to the dedicated page below. Make sure to check it out and dive into the valuable content we’ve prepared for you!

Read about our previous sessions

29.01.2025 #1

Changing Relations Between Housing, Planning, and Governance

Following the success of our preparatory session, where we gathered valuable feedback to refine the Learning Labs series, we are excited to present the first official session of the series. This activity is part of the collaboration between the International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP) and the Deltametropolis Association (VDM). Together, we aim to delve into affordable housing, governance, and climate-adaptive strategies through this unique platform for international dialogue. 

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Session overview

The intersection of housing, urban planning, and governance is undergoing rapid transformation globally, shaped by shifting economic, social, and environmental dynamics. The first session of the VDM Lab will focus on a cross-border comparison to explore these evolving relationships. 

This session will bring together expert perspectives from Europe and Australia to examine: 

• How governance structures and housing markets influence urban planning in different contexts. 

• Strategies for addressing challenges such as affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity. 

• Lessons that can be drawn from comparing approaches in Europe and Australia. 

This event is an excellent opportunity to gain insights into international trends, challenges, and innovative solutions in housing and urban planning. 

SPEAKERS

Ivo Cré
Director of Policy & Projects at the Polis Network in Brussels, specializing in urban mobility, access regulations, parking, and digitalization within urban governance. With a career spanning public transport, environment, and urban mobility policy, Ivo brings a wealth of experience in fostering sustainable urban environments across Europe. 

Dr. Tom Alves
Head of Development, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Alves brings extensive experience in housing policy and urban development, offering a unique perspective on the Australian housing landscape and its governance. 

WHY ATTEND?

• Gain valuable insights from international experts in the field of housing and governance. 

• Learn about innovative strategies to tackle urban challenges. 

• Engage in discussions that encourage cross-border learning and collaboration. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the first session of the IFHP x VDM Labs! 

Register here

26.02.2025 #2

Alternative Housing Models

As the housing crisis deepens globally, alternative housing models offer promising solutions to address affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity. This second session of the Learning Labs will explore two key models—Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Cooperative Housing—while also providing a comparative analysis of these models in different contexts.

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Session overview

Community Land Trusts (CLTs)

Community Land Trusts are non-profit organizations that acquire and steward land on behalf of a community, ensuring that housing remains affordable over the long term. By removing land from the speculative market, CLTs help stabilize housing prices and promote community ownership. Residents participate in decision-making, fostering a sense of empowerment and social cohesion.

Cooperative Housing

In cooperative housing, residents collectively own and manage their housing units, sharing responsibility for maintenance, governance, and finances. This model can significantly reduce costs and build strong community ties. It provides an alternative to traditional homeownership or rental markets, particularly in high-demand urban areas.

Comparative Analysis

This session will also compare the strengths and weaknesses of these alternative models in different governance and housing market contexts. By examining how CLTs and cooperative housing perform across various regions, participants can uncover transferable strategies and identify potential challenges that could arise when scaling these models. The comparative analysis will provide valuable insights into how these models can be adapted and implemented in diverse urban environments to create more equitable, sustainable housing solutions.

This session offers an opportunity to engage with experts and practitioners, share experiences, and explore innovative housing strategies that can address pressing issues of affordability, sustainability, and community resilience.

Speakers

Thieme Hennis
As the founder of And The People, Thieme Hennis specializes in Community Land Trusts (CLTs), advocating for models that secure long-term housing affordability and community ownership. And The People works on participatory urban development strategies that empower communities to take ownership of their housing future, fostering resilience and social equity.

Tijmen Kuyper
Tijmen Kuyper is a researcher and designer at BREiNN, a knowledge platform focused on sustainable building innovation, and an advisor at CoWonen, which develops cooperative housing solutions. Tijmen will present Delta Domus, the world’s first floating social housing development. Designed as a climate-adaptive model for urban living, Delta Domus provides affordable, water-resilient housing while integrating a Beheercoöperatie (management cooperative) that enables residents to co-manage their shared environment.

Philip Krabbendam
Philip Krabbendam is a long-time advocate for co-housing and cooperative living, working with CoWonen, a network promoting community-driven housing solutions. Based in Delft, he will present Centraal Wonen Delft, a pioneering co-housing cooperative that blends private living with shared spaces. Rooted in principles of self-management, sustainability, and social connection, Centraal Wonen Delft offers a successful alternative to traditional housing models by fostering strong community ties and resident-led governance.

Why Attend?

• Gain valuable insights from international experts in housing and governance, exploring the impact of Community Land Trusts and Cooperative Housing.
• Learn about innovative strategies to create affordable, sustainable, and community-driven housing solutions.
• Engage in discussions that foster cross-border learning, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices.

We look forward to welcoming you to the second session of the IFHP x VDM Labs! 

Register here

26.03.2025 #3

By the Community, For the Community

This third session will focus on the transformative potential of community-led housing solutions, emphasizing how participatory planning and engagement can play a key role in addressing the housing crisis. It will explore how communities can take an active role in designing, developing, and managing their own housing, fostering empowerment and long-term sustainability.

Zoom Link

Session overview

Community Engagement in Housing

Community engagement ensures that residents are at the heart of housing decisions, from planning to implementation. By involving local people in the decision-making process, housing projects are more likely to meet the needs of the community, creating spaces that are not only affordable but also tailored to the social and cultural fabric of the area.

Participatory Planning

Participatory planning allows communities to collaborate with architects, urban planners, and policymakers to design housing that is both practical and reflective of the local context. This model fosters inclusive decision-making, ensuring that marginalized groups—such as low-income families or renters—have a voice in shaping their living environments.

Empowerment Through Housing

Housing is more than just shelter—it is a tool for empowerment. By putting communities in charge of their own housing, these models can increase political and social agency. Empowerment through housing helps reduce inequalities and provides people with the resources and opportunities to improve their lives, build stronger communities, and create more resilient urban environments.

This session will explore how these community-led approaches can offer sustainable, inclusive, and affordable solutions to the housing crisis, while providing communities with the tools to create their own future. Participants will gain insights into the benefits, challenges, and best practices of empowering communities to take charge of their housing needs.

Session overview

Marieke Kums (STUDIO MAKS, Netherlands) – Architect and founder of STUDIO MAKS, known for innovative approaches to architecture and public space. Marieke will reflect on how design processes can empower communities, with examples of collaborative housing projects in the Netherlands.

Andy Fergus (Australia) – Urban designer and advisor working across planning, architecture, and urban design. Andy focuses on community-led, sustainable development, bridging scales from city plans to buildings. He advocates for public interest and ecological care, and promotes urban literacy through Melbourne Architours, public talks, and writing. Andy will share Australia’s journey toward more community-led housing, the challenges faced, and how he and industry leaders aim to push for more participatory, sustainable development rooted in public interest and ecological care.

WHY ATTEND?

• Gain valuable insights from international experts on community-led housing and participatory planning.
• Learn how collaborative and inclusive approaches can offer sustainable solutions to today’s housing challenges.
• Explore practical strategies and lessons to empower communities and foster long-term resilience through housing.

We look forward to welcoming you to the third session of the IFHP x VDM Learning Labs!

Register here

30.04.2025 #4

Retrofitting Within Existing City Limits

This forth session will explore the potential of retrofitting existing urban infrastructure to meet contemporary housing and sustainability challenges. It will focus on how upgrading and adapting old buildings, infrastructure, and urban spaces can provide affordable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient solutions within established city boundaries.

Zoom link

Session overview

Infrastructure and Housing Adaptation

Retrofitting involves modifying existing infrastructure to accommodate modern housing needs and sustainability goals. This can include upgrading utilities, improving energy efficiency, and adapting old buildings to meet current standards for comfort, safety, and environmental performance. Rather than building anew, retrofitting leverages the existing urban fabric, reducing the need for extensive land use and minimizing environmental impact.

Modernization of Existing Buildings

Many cities have a wealth of aging buildings that could be transformed into affordable, sustainable housing with the right modifications. Modernization efforts might include improving insulation, adding renewable energy sources, updating heating and cooling systems, and enhancing accessibility. These upgrades can drastically reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to climate goals while providing quality housing options in high-demand urban areas.

Sustainability and Resilience through Retrofitting

Retrofitting not only addresses housing demand but also plays a critical role in making cities more sustainable and resilient to climate change. This can include stormwater management systems, green roofs, energy-efficient designs, and climate-adaptive strategies that help existing urban areas withstand extreme weather events and environmental stresses.

This session will examine the strategies and challenges of retrofitting existing city infrastructure to meet modern housing and sustainability needs, offering a pathway to create more livable, efficient, and resilient urban environments. Participants will explore the benefits of adaptive reuse and learn from successful examples of retrofitting projects in cities around the world.

Speakers

Dennis Henraat is the treasurer of Wooncoöperatie De Bonte Hulst, a housing cooperative in Amsterdam. Dennis will present De Bonte Hulst’s vision of enhancing urban livability through sustainability, well-being, and community integration, which includes creating a diverse range of affordable, bio-based, and energy-neutral rental units, retrofitted in the city limits. 

Claudio Acioly is an architect and urban planner with over 40 years of experience in housing, slum upgrading, and urban development across more than 30 countries. He has held senior positions at UN-Habitat and GIZ, and authored key publications on housing policy and slum upgrading strategies. Claudio Acioly  presentation will empasise the need for a cross-sectoral approach to urban transformation. His discussion will highlight how integrating various sectors—such as housing, infrastructure, mobility, and social services—can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of retrofitting strategies.

Karen Chapple – Director of the School of Cities and Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. She is also Professor Emerita of City & Regional Planning at the University of California, Berkeley, where she held the Carmel P. Friesen Chair in Urban Studies. Karen will present her work on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) shows how cities can reuse existing spaces, like backyards or garages to create more affordable, sustainable housing and respond to today’s urban challenges.

Zoom Link

Are you a member?

This event is for VDM and IFHP members, but we also invite prospective members to the preparatory session in the 27th of November, to share their ideas and expectations for Learning Labs. Starting in January, Learning Labs will be exclusive to VDM and IFHP members. Join the session as a great opportunity to learn about our organizations, mission, and agenda, and to become a member.

For membership inquiries, contact:

• Kirsten Crown (kirsten.crown@deltametropool.nl)
• Regitze Marianne Hess (r.hess@ifhp.org)

We look forward to your participation as we embark on this journey together!