Urben is the design studio from urban designer and researcher Ruben Ferwerda MA for urban and spatial design on various scale levels. Through the use of design research as approach for making designs and strategies new design instruments, tools and research methodologies are continuesly developed and shared.

Urben aims to contribute to improve cities and places by intervening with strong concepts and integral design strategies and interventions, based on existing qualities, potentials and sense/’genius loci’ and narrative of place.

Cross-disciplinary research education & workshops

Part of the research projects take place in collaboration with students in the field of urban design at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences because of my position as lecturer/professor and researcher. I’m constantly looking for new opportunities and related fields to research in collaboration with other design practitioners and students.

Site-specific cross-disciplinary design workshop called ‘Design Detour’ are initiated in collaboration with designers, stakeholders and the public. The aim is to increase awareness of local narratives and identity, develop visionary and speculative ideas and translate outcomes into lasting spatial and urban design.

Clients & Collaborations

Commercial & public:

Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, College van Rijksadviseurs, Provincie Drenthe, Over Morgen, Gemeente Apeldoorn, Gemeente Arnhem, Gemeente Alkmaar, Gemeente Groningen, Woningcorporatie Portaal, Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, Stichting International New Town Instituut (INTI), CASA Arnhem, AIA Alkmaar, Gelders Genootschap,  Oog voor Ruimte, Marcel Barzilay / Architectuur (MB/A),  The MINT workshop,

Education & universities

Saxion Urban Design/stadsLAB University of Applied Sciences (NL), ArtEZ University of Arts (NL), Universidad Camilo José Cela (Madrid, ESP), Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de A Coruna ETSAC (A Coruna, ESP),  Universidade Positivo (Curitiba, BR)