From May 18 to 22, 2026, students from the Real Estate Management Study Programs at FHWien der WKW participated in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) in Antwerp.
Together with students from AP Hogeschool Antwerp and the Technological University Dublin, they spent a week exploring European real estate markets, urban development and international perspectives on current challenges facing the industry.
The focus was not only on professional exchange but, above all, on collaboration within international teams. Around 30 students from Belgium, Ireland and Austria worked together on a real-world development project, gaining insight into different approaches, market conditions and cultural perspectives.
A joint project for the city of Antwerp
For one week, the students worked every morning in mixed teams on a development study for the site of the Stadsschouwburg Antwerp. The project focused on the future of this well-known theater venue, for which new potential uses and development prospects were to be identified. The goal was to identify and analyze international best-practice examples, compare different development strategies and derive recommendations for the site.
In doing so, the students drew on their experiences from their respective home markets and discussed issues related to mixed-use development, urban development, public spaces and the economic viability of real estate projects.
Kick-off with networking and city exploration
To kick off the week, students and faculty from the three universities got to know one another at the welcome event and speed-networking session. Even at this early stage, it became clear just how varied perspectives on real estate markets and urban development in Europe can be.
The group then visited the Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, one of Belgium’s largest theaters, which is currently at the center of discussions regarding the site’s future development.
Another highlight of the program was a guided tour of the Eilandje development area. The former port area is now considered one of Antwerp’s most famous urban renewal projects and impressively demonstrates how industrial sites can be successfully transformed into modern urban neighborhoods.
Insights into the Brussels office market
On the second day, in addition to project work, the program included a presentation by JLL on the Brussels office market. The students gained up-to-date insights into developments, trends and challenges in the Belgian office market.
The visit to Brussels was described by many participants as a particular highlight of the week. In addition to market data and industry developments, the visit offered the opportunity to engage in conversation with experts on current topics in the real estate sector.
Historic Antwerp and Europe’s first skyscraper
The city of Antwerp itself also served as a learning environment. During a retail walk through the historic city center, the students analyzed the evolution of retail and the mix of land uses in the urban space.
Another highlight was the visit to the Boerentoren. The building is considered Europe’s first skyscraper and is now the subject of extensive revitalization and repurposing plans. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into the challenges and potential of historic buildings in the context of modern urban development.
Urban Development in the Groen Kwartier
On Thursday, a guided tour took place through the Groen Kwartier, a former military and hospital complex that has been transformed into a modern urban district. The project is considered a successful example of the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and the creation of high-quality residential and living spaces.
To round off the day, the group visited the De Koninck brewery. This traditional Antwerp brewery combines historic industrial architecture with contemporary usage and visitor concepts, thereby also highlighting interesting aspects of real estate development. Of course, a beer tasting was a must!
Presentations and international collaboration
On the final day, the international teams presented their findings and shared their ideas for the future development of the Stadsschouwburg site. The presentations demonstrated how diverse national experiences and academic backgrounds can lead to new approaches.
In addition to the professional insights, the Erasmus+ BIP program primarily offered the opportunity to establish international contacts. Many students emphasized that collaborating with peers from other countries in particular opened up new ways of thinking and broadened their perspective on their own real estate industry.
Next year, the BIP is taking us to Dublin!
Reat the news article about the BIP 2025 in Vienna.
>> More information about the Real Estate Management Study Programs