
Today, 5.3 million people live here, there are five opera houses and five universities. Yet the Ruhr region is not a city. A fascinating paradox. In 2010, the Ruhr region will be European Capital of Culture, and will present...more

Spectacular architecture, Hanseatic stringency, a model for climate-friendly living: HafenCity in Hamburg, the largest urban development programme in Europe, is creating an urbane city structure that breathes. The “real estate...more

An interview with Albert Speer, the renowned German architect and urban planner, about sustainability, megacities and deserted villagesmore

“Better City, Better Life” is the theme of Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The future belongs to cities – but they face great challenges. The German Pavilion “balancity” presents answers for urban life in the future and is based entirely...more
Over 40 fashion schools in Germany are helping students make this dream come true, each approaching the goal from a different angle. A new generation of highly qualified teachers are showing the way forward.more

For the first time, a whole region, namely the Ruhr District, is the European Cultural Capital. 53 municipalities will present 300 projects and 2,500 events over the course of a whole year. Fritz Pleitgen, head of Ruhr.2010,...more
The world’s metropolises have great powers of attraction and provide vital impulses for economic and social development. Yet increasing urbanization entails challenges, in particular for the megacities around the globe....more
Did you know that Germany is a major fashion centre? Some people find that surprising. Yet loyal customers, outstanding designers and the creative powerhouse of Berlin make that possible. Insights into Germany as a land of...more
Green fashion today combines eco with lifestyle, ethics and business to create a successful, trendy overall concept. German companies are international leaders in this market.more

Raf Simons, the Belgian fashion designer and creative director of the Jil Sander label, talks about working for a niche market and big business. The Hamburg label now belongs to Onward Holdings Co. Ltd.more

Wolfgang Joop is one of Germany’s most famous fashion designers. His company Joop! was altogether successful in the 1980s/90s, but despite that he left it. Since 2003 has been sending out powerful signals from Potsdam with the...more
A review of German fashion history. Fashion is closely linked to identity. However, it was almost unable to evolve in Germany because of its chequered history. The question of German identity was only resolved with reunification...more
Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune is regarded as the top fashion journalist. Now Ms. Menkes has discovered the German capital: “Berlin has fashion in its blood.”more