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…
This episode of the CrAFt Sandbox City video series invites you into the heart of Bologna, where an abandoned industrial site has been reimagined as DUMBO—a dynamic cultural centre and a pilot project for sustainable, inclusive urban regeneration. As part…
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.
With nearly two decades of experience securing and implementing European-funded projects, Adrian Craciun and George Lupascu are seasoned professionals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the strategic development of the Constanța metropolitan area in Romania. In the summer of 2024, we had the opportunity to speak with them about how their city is transforming its city centre and integrating the New European Bauhaus principles.
The UIPI Renovation Tour connects policymakers and property owners, making EU renovation goals more accessible. Through events across Europe, it provides practical solutions, financial insights, and policy discussions tailored to local needs, empowering owners to navigate the green transition and improve building sustainability.
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.
The H2020 Infinite project showcases sustainable retrofitting through prefabrication, as seen in Slovenia's Ravne na Koroškem. A 1982 building is being transformed with eco-friendly panels, cutting energy costs while maintaining affordable rent, offering a model for Europe’s green renovation efforts.
Lies Debbaut’s transition from teaching geography in a secondary school to coordinating urban climate policy highlights her passion for the environment and dedication to fostering sustainable cities. Five years ago, she made a decisive move into public administration, joining the climate team at the City of Bruges. There, she quickly took the lead on initiatives designed to lower the city's carbon emissions. Today, Lies is focused on transforming the Quay District, playing a central role in a groundbreaking project that seeks to revitalise Bruges' urban areas while tackling urgent climate issues.
The RELAUNCHTOWIN project in Burgas, Bulgaria, is transforming a decaying sports hall into a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and a vibrant community space. Driven by sustainability and inclusivity, the initiative prioritises citizen engagement as part of its commitment to the New European Bauhaus principles. This project aims to make this building and Burgas a model for modern urban development, blending innovation with community-focused design and green spaces.
In this interview, Karel Koch, Lab Lead of Sluislab and Associate Lector at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, discusses the role of arts and culture in Amsterdam’s Sluisbuurt development. He explores how citizen engagement, creative interventions, and the New European Bauhaus principles are shaping the neighbourhood’s future while balancing flexibility and strategic urban planning.
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.
Annick Vanhove, a renovation coach in Mechelen, Belgium, combines her expertise in renovation, team coaching, and strategic communication to assist condominium owners in driving sustainable, community-focused projects as part of her role at the Condoreno EU project.
Fastighetsägarna Sverige, a nationwide federation with 150 years of expertise, supports Sweden’s property industry through sustainable practices and community engagement. The organisation released a comprehensive guide on social sustainability in May 2023. This document offers practical tools and examples for property owners to enhance their social impact, emphasising ethical business practices, community building, and responsible urban development.
Peter Hareide, CEO of Sørsida Utvikling AS, envisions a transformed Ålesund where sustainability is integral to urban planning. He aims to attract a thousand new residents to the city centre, boost commercial activity, and create a vibrant urban atmosphere.
Madeleine Kate McGowan is an artist with a background in arts, speculative design, and ecology. Her innovative Garden Caretaker project, transforms urban spaces by integrating art, communities and ecological practices. Her work emphasises the interconnectedness of human and non-human life. Discover her Garden Caretaker project in Denmark.
Filipa Corais—a researcher, PhD student, architect, urban planner and head of mobility at the Municipality of Braga—blends theory and practice to reclaim public spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. Launched in 2022, her Transition Experiments introduced participatory processes in the city's urban planning by engaging various stakeholders.
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.
Started in 2021, the Planning Bus is a unique educational initiative revived by Markus Schwai and Erik Frydenlund Hofsbro to blend real-world urban planning challenges with student learning and community engagement in Norway.
Umeå, Sweden, is a vibrant university city that embraces sustainable urban development and inclusivity. Strategic development officer Anna Sandström Emmelin explains how the municipality integrates citizen dialogue, culture, and innovative projects for a thriving future.
The Green Mile Foundation, a collaboration of six diverse organisations, strives to turn a vibrant street into a sustainable haven for nature and people. Overcoming alignment challenges, their partnership with university students emphasises art, education, and diverse perspectives to create an inclusive, responsive community.
Art installations in public space might be a useful way for cities to collect feedback and insights from citizens.