How can we design smarter, more sustainable cities for the future? In this Short Advanced Programme (SAP), students will learn to tackle real-life urban challenges using one of the most powerful innovation methods of our time: Design Thinking.
This international SAP Challenge, hosted by Howest in Bruges, Belgium, introduces students to a practical and interdisciplinary approach to innovation in the urban context. With a mix of online learning, in-person workshops, team collaboration, and professional presentation; participants will gain the tools and mindset to become agile problem solvers for tomorrow's cities.
This SAP is open to students from all disciplines—not just those with a technical or design background. Whether you're in architecture, business, engineering, urban studies, social sciences, or the arts, this experience will strengthen your creative and analytical skill set.
Why join?
Because innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential.
In a world shaped by (AI) technology and constant change, the ability to think creatively and work collaboratively across cultures and disciplines is key to your future career success.
Take part in this high-impact learning journey, and help design the future—one challenge at a time.
1st of December 2025 to 23rd of December 2025
English
To be defined by each Home Institution.
In general terms, most students will have this RUN-EU SAP certified in the Diploma Supplement, as a minimal condition.
RUN-EU Students have basic level of research skills: they have done already at least one research project/paper. The students have a professional attitude and can work in a team.
Programme at a glance
Learning path + assigned task
Learning path + assigned task
Phase 1: Empathize and research
Phase 2: Define and reserach
Phase 3: Ideate
MAM - prototyping
Working time
17/12/2025
Phase 4: Pitch and test (workshop)
Teambuilding game and cultural visit of the city of Bruges
18/12/2025
Iterations to improve their solution
19/12/2025
Preparation presentation (morning)
Presentations (afternoon)
Group reflection and closing words
Goodbye
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Short Advanced Programme, learners will be able to:
The student identifies the problem space.
The student gathers data from the problem space to solve a given challenge as a starting point of an ideation phase
The student describes different methods to foster creativity and is able to use a selected method according to the described steps.
The student is able to create prototypes and describes how to conduct tests to evaluate them.
The student describes the phases of the iterative processes in Design Thinking and agile projects; and is able to plan and work with it.
The student develops a solution from ideation and present it in a compelling way.
The student approaches and understands a situation, issue, or problem from multiple cultural perspectives.
The student listens to the vision and expertise of others and also accepts the relativity of his/her views and ideas.
The student compares (elements of) professional practice in his/her home country with (elements of) professional practice in other countries
Selection criteria
Joint Selection Procedure and Criteria
Maximum Number of Students to be selected
Involved organisations and persons
FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Dornbirn, Austria
Partner Organisation- Heidi Weber (Instructor)
Howest University of Applied Sciences
Lead Organisation, Host Organisation- Jana Bostoen (Lead Instructor)
- Sam Vanroose (Regional Stakeholder)
