NEB Concepts | DigiNEB Podcasts

Andrew Dubber in conversation with leading architects, educators, and project leaders

Topic: Cultural heritage and diversity

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.

Community engagement Technology integration Education innovation Adaptability Cultural heritage and diversity Co-creation and participatory design

Francesca Rizzo pt 2 – Multidisciplinary Thinking and the Future of Urban Innovation

What happens when architecture, urban studies, and design come together? Francesca Rizzo reflects on her unconventional path from multimedia communication and electronics to design-driven urban transformation. She highlights the importance of breaking down silos between disciplines and how cities can benefit from a more systemic, collaborative approach.

Human-centered design Urban design and development Nature-based solutions Community engagement Cultural heritage and diversity Interdisciplinary approach

Frank van der Hoeven pt 1 – DigiNEB and the Digital Future of the Built Environment

Frank van der Hoeven, research director at TU Delft Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and coordinator of the DigiNEB project, discusses how digital tools are shaping the future of architecture and urban planning. He reflects on the origins of the New European Bauhaus initiative, its role in uniting sustainability, cultural identity, and social equity, and the challenges of integrating digital technologies into the traditionally hands-on field of design.

New European Bauhaus Sustainability Cultural heritage and diversity Social renewal and societal change Architectural education and practice Digitalization and innovation

Markus Reymann pt 3 – Cultural Diplomacy, the Cold War, and the Birth of an Art Academy

Can art shape international politics? Markus Reymann traces the origins of TBA21 to Cold War-era cultural exchanges, where art was used as a diplomatic tool. He explains how these early ideas of cultural diplomacy evolved into a contemporary art foundation with a radical commitment to environmental and social change.

Cultural heritage and diversity Environmental conservation European collaboration and policy Art and culture Aesthetics Community engagement Sustainability

Matti Kuittinen pt 3 – The Future of Architecture: Values, Optimism, and the Built Environment

Can architecture help shift society’s values? Matti Kuittinen argues that to address the climate crisis, we need more than just new materials and policies—we need a fundamental change in how we view our relationship with the planet. He discusses posthumanism, biocentrism, and the role of architecture in creating a fairer, more sustainable future.

Climate change and adaptation New European Bauhaus European collaboration and policy Cultural heritage and diversity Art and culture Aesthetics Environmental conservation

Mia Roth-Čerina pt 1 – Architecture, Education, and the New European Bauhaus

Mia Roth-Čerina, architect and professor at the University of Zagreb, discusses the evolving role of architectural education in addressing climate change, circularity, and inclusivity. She explores how the New European Bauhaus provides a framework for redefining design practice, particularly in South European contexts, and how architectural pedagogy must adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Architectural education and practice Sustainability Inclusion Local and regional solutions Nature-based solutions Cultural heritage and diversity

Mia Roth-Čerina pt 5 – Technology, AI, and the Role of Data in Design

Is the digital transformation of architecture making cities smarter or dumber? Mia Roth-Čerina discusses the role of AI, big data, and digital tools in urban planning, questioning whether an overreliance on quantifiable metrics risks erasing lived experience. She also explores the balance between technological innovation and the fundamental principles of good design.

Technology integration Sustainability Urban design and development Cultural heritage and diversity Adaptability New European Bauhaus

Roberto Cavallo pt 2 – Learning from Place: Local Knowledge and Global Perspectives

Should architecture education be standardised across Europe? Roberto Cavallo argues for a balance between universal design principles and the unique characteristics of local environments. He discusses the strength of European diversity in placemaking, the importance of mobility in education, and how young designers can position themselves in an evolving profession.

European collaboration and policy Local and regional solutions Knowledge sharing and dissemination Cultural heritage and diversity Education innovation Interdisciplinary approach

Selma Harrington pt 1 – Architecture, Advocacy, and Heritage

Selma Harrington, an architect and educator, discusses her career spanning architecture, design, and advocacy for sustainable built environments. She reflects on modernist heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the impact of post-war neglect on architecture, and her research into the transformation of the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A fascinating look into the intersections of architecture, history, and European identity.

Architectural education and practice Sustainability Heritage preservation Art and culture Aesthetics Interdisciplinary approach Cultural heritage and diversity

Sheela Patel pt 5 – Jugaad, Waste, and Lessons for Europe from the Global South

What can European cities learn from the resourcefulness of informal settlements? Sheela Patel explains Jugaad—the Indian concept of frugal innovation—and how it applies to housing, infrastructure, and urban resilience. She challenges the Western obsession with high-tech solutions and argues for a shift in mindset towards making better use of what we already have.

Inclusion Cultural heritage and diversity Social renewal and societal change Sustainability European collaboration and policy Knowledge sharing and dissemination