For many years now, the City of Heidelberg has placed emphasis on urban development by opening up competitions for construction projects on a landmark scale. A committee for architecture and urban planning (Gestaltungsbeirat) was established to further stimulate architectural culture and to support the care and maintenance of historical buildings in the City of Heidelberg. The goal is to secure quality in urban design and architecture, sustainably and qualitatively boost planning and construction culture and increase their acceptance in society, and prevent undesirable developments in urban design and architecture.

For 2023 and 2024, Prof. Benedikt Schulz (TU Dresden, Chair of Architectural Design and Construction I) has been appointed to the City of Heidelberg’s Architecture and Urban Planning Committee. He will offer counsel as an independent member for the subcommittee on building design – primarily for projects of importance to urban planning with regard to their impact on the overall image of the city and surrounding areas.