Co-Site | What we do
With Co-Site, we are establishing a comprehensive framework for diverse activities to help our region address the social challenges of climate change and structural transformation. Our collaborative efforts within a real-world laboratory aim to find solutions for a sustainable future.
(Image: Adobe Stock)
Many activities, one project: We work closely with our partners on various aspects of Co-Site, realizing our shared goals.
Networking
Within Co-Site, we bring together diverse stakeholder groups, building an expandable Transformation Network to meet the long-term needs of our partners. This collaborative effort involves combining expertise with the Co-Site Advisory Board and scientists from various disciplines at TH Köln.
While a real-world laboratory is not confined to a fixed location, it requires spaces for collaboration. In Co-Site, we design a co-creation space tailored to the project's requirements. In Cologne-Mülheim, the project team and partners can convene, host events, and collaborate creatively. To broaden our reach, we are establishing a mobile lab, facilitating on-site event organization.
Change
Co-Site actively contributes to the transformation of the region. In collaboration with our partners, we work on solutions for adapting to climate change, developing local strategies and portfolios to address natural hazards such as heavy rainfall and heat. A key focus is on critical and green-blue infrastructures, with collected data accessible through a digital information system for municipal climate adaptation.
Learning
Science communication is a particular focus to engage the local community. Based on feedback from our partners, we adapt our communication methods to meet their needs, making knowledge accessible. Additionally, we are establishing a virtual lab with technology for Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) applications. Whether it is a flooded basement or heat islands in the city, people can gain valuable learning experiences and try out practical measures using various developed scenarios and formats. These simulations also contribute to teaching at TH Köln.
In collaboration with the Academy of Continuing Education, we are developing formats for academic continuing education for individuals in employment and those returning to work. Through training change agents and co-designers—experts in change and co-creative collaboration—we empower people in the region to apply transfer knowledge. Additionally, we are jointly developing an incentive system to motivate stakeholders to conduct long-term research in real-world laboratories, making our impact measurement concepts available to interested parties.