On August 30-31 2025, IUR is hosting a nature retreat in Skanör, Sweden. Details, a preliminary programme, and the link to register are all below:
GOAL: To inspire practitioners by fostering creativity and reflection on modern practices and their capacity to address contemporary challenges, integrating both rational and vernacular knowledge, and promoting innovative thinking.
CONTENT:
- Mental detox and reimagining of our collective role in a sustainable future for global society.
- Hands-on construction workshops in nature, using natural materials and techniques.
- Seminars and discussions on contemporary trends and challenges in society; how we should respond for a positive and sustainable future.
- Discussions on the synergies and values of linking academic, public, donor, NGO and private sector professionals.
- Full board and refreshments at Hotel Gässlingen, Skanör, Sweden (limited number of subsidised rooms available on a first-come first-served basis).
- Guest passes to the Hotel Spa are included.
- The retreat will be hosted and facilitated in English.
WHO HAS THIS RETREAT BEEN PREPARED FOR?
- Development professionals such as architects, planners, engineers, economists, social scientists and environmentalists.
- Academics in similar and related fields.
- Public sectors actors, NGOs and activists.
- Those involved or interested in local and/or international sustainable development.
OUTLINE OF PROGRAMME:
(A more detailed programme of activities will be provided to all registered attendees once the logistics are confirmed and weather conditions are a little clearer.)
Sat 30th August – AM & Lunch:
Arrival & registration, meet & greet.
Relaxed buffet lunch with coffee & tea to follow, including structured discussions:
- ‘Bridging the Gaps’ – Diverse experiences & perspectives, synergies and opportunities.
- Expectations and wishes for the Retreat.
- Global trends in society.
- Hands-on vernacular in the landscape.
Sat 30th August – PM:
Outdoor design and construction workshop (start)
Free time to relax in the hotel, spa and explore Skanör
Sat 30th August – Evening:
Relaxed group dinner, followed by a fireside discussion:
- The hands-on & nature-based approach – action toward sustainable development.
Sun 31st August – AM:
Seasonal breakfast
Outdoor design and construction workshop (continued)
Sun 31st August – Lunch & PM:
Relaxed outdoor picnic lunch with coffee & tea to follow, including a structured discussion:
- Defining a sustainable future
- Future visions and changing our practices
Outdoor design and construction workshop (finish)
Close & Thanks
ABOUT GÄSSLINGEN:
This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of old Skanör; an historic market town on the very southern tip of Sweden, overlooking Copenhagen and the Öresund bridge. Originally a skipper’s residence dating back to the Middle Ages, the hotel was established in the 1960’s and has thrived ever since as a cherished getaway destination and locale for special occasions. Within easy walk or cycle of the beaches and forests of the Näset peninsular; Gässlingen provides the perfect setting to receive inspiration from nature and for nourishing the mind, soul, heart and body. https://gasslingen.com/
LOGISTICS & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Meals: All meals will be provided, featuring local, sustainable ingredients. Meals will take place outdoors, weather permitting.
- Accommodation: Single & double rooms are available in a venue that blends natural beauty with modern comfort.
- Outdoor Gear: Participants should bring comfortable clothing for outdoor activities, including light rain gear in case of showers.
- Cost (2000 sek/person): Covers accommodation, meals, and all workshop materials. A limited number of subsidised rooms are available.
- Certificates of Attendance: Will be provided.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Marwa is a licensed architect and BioGeometry® practitioner with over two decades of experience in sustainable and climate-responsive architecture. Her work focuses on zero-emission and passive earth buildings, vernacular architecture, and sustainable conservation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Egypt, a master’s in environmental design and planning, and a PhD in vernacular architecture from Lund University, Sweden.
Her research explores low-tech, carbon-neutral design methods rooted in traditional practices, adapted for modern zero-emission buildings. In 2012, she was awarded the Swedish Elna Bengtssons Foundation Prize for Scientific Research for her PhD work. She has published over 100 scholarly manuscripts and five books and frequently lectures on topics such as energy-efficient buildings, carbon-neutral design, natural materials, and BioGeometry®.
Marwa has led and participated in projects across Egypt, the MENA region, and Europe. She is actively involved in Architects Without Borders and ICOMOS, serving as Vice President of the Scientific Committee on Vernacular Architecture (CIAV) and a voting expert in ISCEAH Scientific Committee on earthen architecture and ISCES Scientific Committee on climate and sustainability.
Currently, she is full professor of Urban Sustainability at Malmö University in Sweden and Program Director of the Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design program. Also, adjunct professor or sustainable and environmental architecture at Aalborg university in Denmark. She leads major research initiatives, including the EU-funded “AlgoLoam”, the Crafoord-funded “Z Free Home”, and “Neutral Positive Malmö” funded by FORMAS.
Alex Cochrane
Alex is an urban designer and planner with a focus on international development and urban resilience; particularly in the global south and emerging economies. He was educated in the UK to Masters level. Alex has been in practice since 2002, working within the international design, planning and environmental management sector since 2009.
During his career, Alex has worked with sustainable and inclusive urban and regional development projects and programmes in 16 countries across four continents; including UK, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, across Sub Saharan Africa and the Middle East, Caucasus, South and South-East Asia and China.
Alex is currently employed as International Director with Sweco’s Export division, based in Malmö. He is a regular visiting lecturer at University of Lund School of Architecture and was previously employed as adjunct lecturer on Malmö University’s Urban Studies Programme.
Alex is a practitioner of the SymbioCity© Approach for sustainable planning and development; a toolkit which leverages synergies in trans-sectoral spatial planning with strategic communication to promote liveable, low carbon, resilient and inclusive communities in cities.
REGISTRATION:
Please register here.
