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.
Seeds for a reflection on urban aesthetics and citizen behaviour
Raffaele, an architecture and engineering student in Bologna, reflects on the multidimensional nature of urban environments and the need for holistic approaches that integrate social, aesthetic, and cultural considerations in urban planning and development.
Takeaways:
- Societal shifts impact cities: Raffaele observes a rise in individualism, potentially leading to cities lacking social bonds due to an overemphasis on efficiency.
- City distinctiveness: He highlights Bologna's unique potential as a city with a history of prioritising social aspects, making it an ideal place for innovative urban development.
- Role of art in urban spaces: Raffaele recognises the importance of art and aesthetics in fostering social connections, noting their impact on citizen behaviour and community trust.
I’m Raffaele, an architecture and engineering student at Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna. I have resided in Bologna for the past three years, and this year, I had the opportunity to participate in the CrAFt project during my apprenticeship.
From my perspective, contemporary society is experiencing an excess of individualism, potentially transforming cities into places lacking social connections and vitality. This may not solely be an individual choice but rather a consequence of an excessive focus on the efficiency of the city, occasionally neglecting social and aesthetic aspects.
Fortunately, each city possesses its unique atmosphere. In my limited experience, Bologna has distinct potential. I was pleased to discover that it was selected as a CrAFt Sandbox City, with the pilot case study being cultural space DumBo.
Bologna, with its history of utilising various approaches that prioritise social aspects, is an ideal city to set new goals. Being a university town and the birthplace of divergent thought, Bologna provides an excellent environment in which to apply CrAFt ideas and experiment with creating new life models.
Particularly, DumBo is a captivating place, representing a notable example of temporary urban regeneration. Once an abandoned railway yard of Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), it has transformed into a space where new social dynamics flourish daily, hosting many cultural and artistic events.
My research focused on cultural sustainability, and at DumBo, I was intrigued by the murals adorning the walls of this expansive space. I sought to understand how people engage with these artworks and how interpersonal connections are fostered here.
The lesson I derived from my research is that fostering sociality and culture necessitates attention to aesthetic qualities in a space. The absence of such attributes defines citizen behaviour, leading to a reluctance to trust institutions, other people, and the city.
Looking ahead, I aspire to delve deeper into the relationship between art and people, viewing urban issues differently. I remain optimistic about the solutions proposed by CrAFt and finding them feasible and targeted. However, my concern lies in whether other realities are prepared for this change. Fortunately, in Bologna, some entities already share similar values to those of the New European Bauhaus, fostering hope that future collaborations will strengthen the network. Unity is strength!
Written by Raffaele Tommaso Isernia
Copy edited by Jose Rodriguez
Photos by