NEB ambition

The ultimate ambition of the New European Bauhaus is to achieve transformation. To do this, the NEB Compass has identified specific levels of ambition that outline the desired outcomes for each of the NEB values.

Action areas

These areas refer to the five key domains of intervention that CrAFt's New European Bauhaus Impact Model considers essential for guiding and evaluating complex urban initiatives.

Participation level

The participation level refers to the degree or extent to which individuals or groups are actively involved or engaged in a particular activity, project, or process. It assesses the depth of their involvement, contributions, and commitment, ranging from minimal or passive participation to active and dedicated participation.

NEB values

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) aims to promote the values of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in the design and transformation of urban spaces. It emphasises the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations to create harmonious and innovative living environments.

Implementation Stage

According to the Smart City Guidance Package, there are seven stages to plan and implement smart city projects. These stages propose a logical and coherent roadmap for city initiatives involving many stakeholders.

Bridging Perspectives: A Dialogue Between Private Providers and Students on Student Housing

On Monday, 27 January 2025, the CrAFt project collaborated in the event “Bridging Perspectives: A Dialogue Between Private Providers and Students on Housing Needs and Expectations”, organised by UIPI. This dialogue brought together students, private landlords and housing experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in accessing affordable and sustainable student accommodation in Europe.

The event featured a diverse panel representing both the student and accommodation provider perspective:, Isabella Giovanetti (University of Bologna – UNIBO) – PhD student in Construction Engineering and Architecture, Rui Vinha (Erasmus Student Network – ESN) – Treasurer of the ESN network, Joonas Grönlund – CEO of the Lappeenranta Student Housing Foundation (Finland) and President of the Nordic Association of Student Housing Companies and Diana Ralha – Representative of the Lisbon Landlords Association (ALP), with experience in Portuguese real estate market trends.

A Gap Between Expectations and Reality

Surveys presented at the event revealed a significant difference in the perception of student needs and landlords’ expectations:

  • For students, the most important factors when looking for accommodation are affordability, security and location.
  • For landlords, key elements include location, value for money and local demand.
  • Sustainability and energy efficiency, although increasingly relevant in the housing debate, are not among the top priorities for students due to the urgency of finding affordable and accessible accommodation.

Challenges in the Student Housing Market

The event addressed some of the obstacles that hinder access to student housing:

  • Shortage of supply and high rental costs in many European cities.
  • Difficulties for international students, such as bureaucratic barriers, contracts in other languages ​​and risk of scams.
  • Lack of incentives for small landlords, who often see renting to students as a risk due to high turnover and frequent maintenance of housing.

Innovative Solutions and Models

The event highlighted successful initiatives that seek to improve access to student housing, many of which align with the principles of the CrAFt project: sustainability, inclusion and collaboration.

  • Public guarantees for landlords, such as the French model, which reduces the risks of non-payment and fosters confidence in the rental market.
  • University mediation programmes, such as the one at Nova Business School in Lisbon, which connects students with older landlords, creating benefits for both young people and the ageing population.
  • HousingBo in Bologna, an initiative by the University of Bologna that seeks to improve urban planning and sustainability in student housing.
  • Participatory management models, such as in Finland, where non-profit foundations manage student accommodation with student representation in decision-making.

The CrAFt project promotes innovative approaches in the development of sustainable and resilient cities. Student housing is a key element in the evolution of urban environments, and events such as this reinforce the importance of collaboration between students, landlords, universities and local administrations to find effective solutions. As we move forward in implementing sustainable housing models, CrAFt will continue to support initiatives that foster more accessible, inclusive and efficient housing, in line with the values ​​of the New European Bauhaus.

About this news

Date of publication

February 5, 2025

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