Aase Højlund Nielsen pt 2 – Technology, Inclusion, and the Power of Place

How do digital tools support community engagement? Aase Højlund Nielsen explains the role of technology in urban planning, the importance of adapting strategies for different cultures, and how Copenhagen’s unique context influences innovation. She also reflects on the limitations of replicating solutions across different regions and the need for meaningful, localised approaches.

Aase Højlund Nielsen pt 3 – Aesthetics, Green Transition, and Making Change Desirable

How do we make sustainability the preferred choice? Aase Højlund Nielsen discusses the role of aesthetics in urban transformation, the power of art in community building, and the different approaches taken across Europe to integrate beauty and function into sustainable development. She explores how design can create spaces people actively want to engage with rather than feel obligated to support.

Aase Højlund Nielsen pt 4 – Conflict, Collaboration, and the Principles of Change

Can disagreements drive progress? Aase Højlund Nielsen shares how conflict within collaborative projects can be a powerful force for innovation. She reflects on the challenges of aligning different perspectives in the DESIRE project, the importance of open debate, and how artistic and ecological principles can be used as shared languages to shape the built environment.

Davor Meersman pt 4 – Carbon Sequestration, Sustainable Materials, and Open Source Design

Can the way we build houses help fight climate change? Davor Meersman discusses how wood construction can act as a carbon sink, the financial incentives behind carbon sequestration, and how open-source architecture can accelerate the shift to sustainable building practices. He also unpacks the economic models that could make nature-based materials the default choice in construction.

Davor Meersman pt 6 – The Next Generation of City Building:

Open Source, AI, and Community Design

Frank van der Hoeven pt 3 – Citizen Participation, AI, and the Power of Visualisation

Should everyday citizens have a say in urban planning? Frank van der Hoeven challenges the idea that only architects and planners are the experts, arguing that those who live in a place are, in many ways, more knowledgeable than those designing it. He also explores how AI is changing architectural design, the rise of co-creation, and his own experience working on the iconic Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.

Frank van der Hoeven pt 4 – Sustainability, Infrastructure, and the Future of European Cities

Massive infrastructure projects—from bridges to industrial ports—pose some of the toughest sustainability challenges. Frank van der Hoeven discusses the transformation of Rotterdam’s vast petrochemical hub, the role of bio-based solutions, and the difficult balance between economic transition and environmental responsibility. He also reflects on the strange beauty of industrial landscapes and what might come next for Europe’s largest port.

Jan Bunge pt 4 – Participatory Design, AI, and the Role of the Public in Urban Planning

Should non-experts help design cities? Jan Bunge explores how real-time interactive tools are changing public consultation, allowing communities to shape their environments in ways never before possible. From game-engine-driven urban planning to AI-assisted design, he discusses the delicate balance between expert knowledge and democratic participation in shaping the future of our cities.

Roberto Cavallo pt 4 – Digital Tools, Access, and the Future of Design

The DigiNEB project is mapping digital tools for architects and designers, but what happens next? Roberto Cavallo explores the role of technology in design, the challenges of accessibility and affordability, and the potential for digital tools to connect professionals across Europe. He also reflects on the balance between digital efficiency and the need for hands-on design thinking.

Roberto Cavallo pt 5 – Rethinking Architectural Education in the Digital Age

Education is no longer confined to the classroom. Roberto Cavallo discusses the shift towards participatory, learner-centred approaches in architecture, the rise of informal education through digital platforms, and the need for safe spaces where students can experiment and learn from failure. He also examines how institutions can open up to a broader audience through lifelong learning initiatives.

Selma Harrington pt 5 – Who Designs Our Cities? Community Engagement & Urban Planning

Should non-experts have a say in urban planning? Selma Harrington unpacks the role of public engagement in shaping the built environment, discussing digital tools like urban modelling and digital twins. She shares case studies of how visualisation has changed urban development and highlights the power of collaborative design in avoiding disastrous planning mistakes.

Sheela Patel pt 4 – Roof Over Our Heads: Housing, Digital Tools, and Climate Resilience

What does it mean to build for survival? Sheela Patel explores how extreme weather, poverty, and exclusion are forcing communities to innovate with whatever materials they have. She discusses the Roof Over Our Heads initiative, the role of digital tools in community learning, and how grassroots knowledge can shape more inclusive housing solutions.