In a globalized society, cities face complex challenges. Former industrial cities such as Kaiserslautern have been affected by structural change for decades, which has been further exacerbated by multiple crises. In addition to unemployment, vacant properties, and a loss of image, this has led to social problems such as poverty, dissatisfaction, and a loss of trust in government action. At the same time, Kaiserslautern has successfully implemented transformations, such as the conversion of the worsted spinning mill and the development of the garden show grounds.
This is the basis for the “ReTra Stadt” project of the Rhineland-Palatinate Development Agency and the RPTU. The aim is to further develop Kaiserslautern as a model of a resilient transformation city. Building on its industrial heritage, military presence, international influences, and university, innovative development paths are being developed in participatory real-world laboratories. The focus is on governance, participation, and knowledge transfer. The project provides recommendations for Kaiserslautern and transferable strategies for other old industrial cities in Rhineland-Palatinate.
A project website is currently under construction.
