Visit from Reading University Students: Exploring the 3Land Project and Trinational Cooperation
by Géraldine Lopez
"The 3Land project provides an excellent example of how cross-boundary collaboration can create and deliver shared visions and approaches to urbanism and placemaking by bridging between different technical and political stakeholders to deliver regeneration and development. It is an insightful case study for those working on cross-boundary planning projects in Europe and the UK and beyond”.
Dr Mark Dobson, University of Reading, UK.
On March 24, 2025, a group of master's students in spatial planning and development from the University of Reading (UK) visited our region to learn more about cross-border dynamics and current development projects.
Together with their university professors, the students were able to discover the 3Land project, and its achievements such as the Vis-à-vis sub-project with the development of the Rheinpark and the Rhine banks in Huningue. They also explored cross-border infrastructures, such as the 3-countries footbridge. This exploration gave them a better understanding of the extent of cooperation between the countries involved and the challenges of trinational urban development.
Beyond borders: discover urban planning and architecture in the 3Land
The visit began in Weil-am-Rhein with an overview of the 3Land project and the Vis-à-vis project, giving the students a better understanding of the issues at stake and the long-term vision. The group then explored the Rheinpark, an area in constant evolution, before crossing the 3-countries footbridge to reach the French side of the river.
Arrived in Huningue, the students were welcomed by Frédéric Duvinage, managing director of the ETB, who provided valuable insights into the Eurodistrict's role in coordinating cross-border initiatives.
The students then took a closer look at the 3-countries footbridge, which they had crossed earlier in the morning, before discovering the future “Rhine bridge” project and concluding their tour at Place Abbatucci. Some students were particularly fascinated by the cohabitation between Huningue's historic architecture and the modern construction projects surrounding it. This striking contrast between architectural styles fueled debate on the city's urban harmony and architectural identity, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with its development.
Impressions and prospects: the impact of the trinational approach for students
The students and their teachers expressed particular interest in the way the projects are carried out in a trinational context. Many were impressed by the cooperation between cities and countries, and emphasized the complexity but also the effectiveness of the governance model put in place. Discussions highlighted the richness of the cross-border approach, which appears to be a genuine model of collaborative management.
This immersion at the heart of a trinational project gave the students a concrete perspective on territorial cooperation and urban planning on a European scale. It was an enriching experience, which we hope will fuel their thoughts and future projects!
