Kicking off the Annual Theme 2024/25 "Dirt Cheap!" with an exciting event at HCU! This year, we dive deep into the global economic interdependencies and their reflection in Hamburg’s urban space, starting with one fundamental material: sand.

Four incredible speakers shared their insights into the hidden costs behind everyday urban practices, from sediment management and sand extraction to the environmental and social consequences.

Special thanks to:

• Prof. Gesa Kapteina (HCU Hamburg) Sand / perspective: construction industry

• Dr. Boris Hochfeld (Hamburg Port Authority) Sand / perspective: disposal

• Dr. Ann-Carolin Meyer (Boberger Dünenhaus) Sand / perspective: nature conservation

• Dr. Michaela Büsse (TU Dresden, RIFS Potsdam and HU Berlin) Sand / perspective: research

And the introduction by Prof. Hanna Göbel and Prof. Monika Grubbauer, as well as the moderation by Anna Hentschel and Antonia Lembcke.

We’re excited to explore this theme throughout the year and unravel the complexities of "Dirt Cheap!" in Hamburg’s urban environment.