With a monthly funding of 2,500 euros, free accommodation and individual professional support, the Gottfried Böhm Scholarship program offers ideal conditions for the development of innovative projects that combine architecture and urban planning. The closing date for applications is 31st May, 2025.

The premiere of the scholarship in 2023 received great international interest with a total of 41 applications from 23 countries, including France, Italy, Algeria, Iran and Lebanon. The work of the first scholarship holder, Ermelinda Di Chiara from Italy, was particularly impressive. Her project, ‘Developing empty spaces for a sustainable city’, provided exciting impulses for Cologne’s urban development. 

“The Gottfried Böhm Fellowship was a transformative experience for me,” says Di Chiara. “It allowed me to deepen my research at the intersection of architecture and urban planning. The vibrant atmosphere of Cologne, the creative working environment and the great support – all the way from accommodation to organisation – made this year exceptionally enriching, both professionally and personally. I strongly recommend this scholarship to anyone who is passionate about urban development.” 

Professor Paul Böhm, the son of the scholarship’s namesake and also jury member, comments: “Our aim is to promote young talents who address urban challenges with creative and sustainable solutions. Simultaneously, an external view – coming from different cultural and professional perspectives – provides new impulses for the development of our cities. My father would have loved to see how his vision of the city would be further developed by the next generation.”

The scholarship begins in October 2025 and runs until September 2026. During the funding year, the scholarship holder will be actively involved in the activities of TH Köln and will receive intensive support from renowned experts in architecture and urban planning. 

At the end of the scholarship year, the scholarship holder will present the results of their work at a ceremony in Cologne City Hall, opened by the Mayor of the City of Cologne. The work is then exhibited for a two-week period in the Spanish Building with the possibility of the project to be published in specialist publications in order to make it accessible to a broader public. 

Gottfried Böhm Scholarship
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