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In the heart of Bottrop, Germany, a unique gathering took place, bringing together urban planners, local authorities, and colleagues from South Africa to discuss the future of public spaces. The network, called "integrated and safe neighborhoods for all", aimed to share ideas and learn from each other's experiences.

The event, which marked the seventh and final meeting of this network since 2022, kicked off with a tour of the Bernepark in Bottrop. The program then moved on to a walking tour of the city center, including a visit to the weekly market, and a sneak peek at plans for the future Phoenix Gallery.

Participants also had the opportunity to explore Bottrop's rich history and culture, visiting the Tetrahedron and Park Welm during sightseeing, and sampling the city's gastronomy. The German cities brought plans for the future development of their respective Living Labs to the discussion, with uMhlathuze presenting a project to reorganize an informal market at a street intersection and build permanent market stalls, benefiting traders who previously operated without permits.

The Living Lab in Ludwigsburg showcased the transformation of Arsenalplatz, a former parking lot, into a green space with a water-bound surface. Suggestions for Bottrop's city center included a graffiti competition for Untere Hochstraße, mobile sports fields for Berliner Platz, an owner's forum for Hansastraße, and more space for outdoor dining and product displays on Poststraße by reducing car traffic and parking spots.

Mayor Bernd Tischler of Bottrop welcomed the guests and spoke about the city's transformation from a coal city to a climate city. Initially, there was skepticism about comparing security situations between the two countries, but surprisingly many parallels and a great understanding in finding solutions were noted.

Overarching institutions and authorities, including the German Association of Towns and Cities, the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB), and the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), were part of the network. The organization responsible for the coordination and funding of the network in Germany was the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (Bundesministerium des Innern, für Bau und Heimat, BMI).

The challenges faced by South African colleagues are on a different scale compared to Germany, but there were still many opportunities for collaboration and learning. Everyone agreed to return to Bottrop for the opening of the Phoenix Gallery. The event concluded with a joint visit to the city festival, with most departing on Saturday.

Many cities have initiated changes through pop-up measures and implemented them after a trial phase, and Bottrop can still learn a lot from this approach. This transatlantic exchange not only provided insights into urban development but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and mutual learning, setting a strong foundation for future urban transformations.