Finding affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues affecting students today, and the demand for student housing has never been greater. In response to this, Nova University in Lisbon, Portugal, has launched the innovative project Rede ¼ (in…
In this episode of the CrAFt video series, we explore how the city of Amsterdam is pioneering new approaches to climate-neutral urban living. As one of three Sandbox Cities in the European CrAFt project, Amsterdam is at the forefront of…
In this CrAFt video episode, we head to Prague—a city known for its stunning historic character—to discover how innovation, creativity and collaboration are shaping its path toward a climate-neutral future. As one of three CrAFt Sandbox Cities, Prague is exploring…
Kiel’s waterfront has long been the city's heart, where ships set sail for Scandinavia and the Baltic, embedding a deep maritime spirit into its culture. Over the years, however, parts of the waterfront became disconnected, leaving urban revitalisation opportunities untapped. The HörnAnkerHaus project is contributing to transforming a historically significant yet underutilised area into a thriving, sustainable urban quarter where housing, community, and commerce converge.
As Finland’s population ages, the Age- and Memory-Friendly Project is helping housing associations create safer, more accessible homes while fostering stronger communities—ensuring elderly residents can live independently for longer.
Imagine this: a resident sitting comfortably in their living room, enjoying a book, a cold beer, or a football match. Meanwhile, every lightbulb is switched on, every gadget plugged in, and every electric appliance contributes not only to their comfort but also to a communal reserve fund dedicated to improving their building. This is the reality at the Marius Renard building in Anderlecht, in the Brussels Region, where an ambitious energy community has turned sustainability into a way of life.
Making cities greener is more complex than it seems, especially when creating shared gardens. What looks like an easy project can run into unexpected problems, like people living unofficially in an area who worry about their homes if the space becomes public. This project showed Elham, a member of CrAFt's Core Groups of students, that changing parts of a city isn't just about adding plants or benches; it's also about understanding how these changes affect the people who live there.
In 2024, the Czech Child-Friendly City Association launched the first Czech adventure playground. Inspired by a concept from Denmark, this pop-up playground in Prague allowed children to build and play freely. Despite initial uncertainties, the project’s success led to an extended run. It promoted sustainability, creativity, and community, inspiring plans for future playgrounds.
Kuba Depczyński is the curator of public programmes at Warsaw's Museum of Modern Art and co-founder of the Office for Post-Artistic Services, a collective of artists and activists in Poland. This collective's work bridges art and social issues, mainly through projects like Opolno-Zdrój is the Future!, where they engage with communities facing the challenges of transitioning from coal mining to sustainable futures.
As European capital cities deal with rapid population growth, some towns face the opposite problem: population decline and economic downturns. Miodrag Kuč's project in Eisenhüttenstadt (Germany) and Visaginas (Lithuania) tackles these issues in two monofunctional cities dependent on heavy industries such as steel and nuclear energy. He helps residents craft a collective vision for their cities' futures through creative projects and extensive community involvement.
Cultural centre Sladovna Písek (Czech Republic) transformed a former malt factory into a haven for children and adults. Offering exhibitions, theatrical experiences, and educational programmes, the centre promotes creativity, active citizenship and environmental consciousness. Under director Adam Langer, Sladovna Písek emphasises participatory processes, blending art and education to inspire young minds and foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
On 31 May 2024, the conference “Climate Change and Climate Adaptation: Living Below Sea Levels” was held in Amsterdam. The event, organised by Vereniging Eigen Huis and the International Union of Property Owners (UIPI), brought together 45 participants, including property owners,…
Odd Vinje, a computer engineer involved in the NEB-Star project, works to bridge digital solutions with societal impact, aiming to foster collaboration across sectors. His passion for nature aligns seamlessly with the project's focus on environmental concerns, making his work meaningful and forward-thinking.
Ruxandra, one of ÎntreVecini's Community builders, explains this Romanian organisation's innovative method to foster environmental sustainability and vibrant urban spaces by empowering neighbours and supporting long-lasting community initiatives.