DAZWISCHEN addresses current and highly relevant issues of structural change in the Rhenish mining area. The research project focuses in particular on the spatial effects and changes on the functional interrelationships of the entire area with the surrounding large cities (especially Aachen and Cologne) and within the Rhenish mining area. Against the background of these structural changes it seems necessary - together with the actors in the region - to identify the strengths in spatial and economic terms and subsequently to systematize spatial requirements, spatial talents and spatial resistances. DAZWISCHEN wants to promote precisely this regional cooperation and therefore sees itself as a laboratory for adaptation to these structural changes and as a generator of balanced perspective models and development strategies in the extended region.

Project results and collected information will be integrated into a spatial information system. In the foreground - against the background of possible inequalities in living conditions and the quality of services of general interest - are considerations of the regional distribution of residential, commercial and transport areas. The project also develops practical solutions to reduce land use competition between residential and open space.

The research project is carried out by an association of science and practice consisting of the TU Dortmund University (association coordination), the RWTH Aachen University, infas – Institute for applied social sciences GmbH as well as the city of Düren and the county of Euskirchen. The "Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier" is also involved as an associated partner.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the framework of the "Stadt-Land-Plus" funding programme, initially for a three-year research and development phase (01.02.2020 - 31.01.2023), which may be followed by a two-year implementation phase. Already in the first project phase, € 2.36 million will be provided for urban and regional development in the region.

Project partners

Associated partner

Funders