Topic: Knowledge sharing and dissemination
Aase Højlund Nielsen pt 1 – Sustainable Urbanisation and Citizen Engagement
Aase Højlund Nielsen, coordinator of the DESIRE project at Bloxhub in Copenhagen, discusses how citizen participation shapes sustainable urbanisation. She explores the role of public engagement in the green transition, the importance of matching expertise with lived experience, and the challenges of making systemic change feel relevant and accessible to communities.
Sustainability Community engagement Climate change and adaptation Systems thinking Interdisciplinary approach Knowledge sharing and disseminationAase 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.
Interdisciplinary approach Sustainability Community engagement Knowledge sharing and dissemination Adaptability Co-creation and participatory designDavor Meersman pt 1 – Open Source Housing and the Future of Construction
Davor Meersman, chair of the Futurecraft Foundation, discusses how digital tools, automation, and open-source architecture can transform the way we build. He explains how the construction industry lags behind in innovation, why interoperability is crucial for sustainable urban development, and how open digital platforms can make housing more affordable and accessible.
Sustainability Technology integration Building materials and techniques Digitalization and innovation Environmental conservation Knowledge sharing and disseminationDavor Meersman pt 3 – Smart Cities, Digital Twins, and the Role of AI in Urban Design
How can AI help us build better cities? Davor Meersman explains how digital twins, LiDAR scanning, and neural networks can improve urban planning by preserving natural environments while optimising housing and infrastructure. He explores the challenges of balancing high-tech solutions with real-world urban complexity.
Sustainability Technology integration Building materials and techniques Digitalization and innovation Environmental conservation Knowledge sharing and disseminationFrank van der Hoeven pt 2 – Open Science, Architecture, and Public Engagement
How can architectural research be made more accessible? Frank van der Hoeven traces his journey from urban design to European research coordination, explaining how open science can connect architects, researchers, and the public. He discusses why architecture shouldn't hide behind paywalls, the importance of publishing in language people actually read, and how transparency in design benefits society.
Architectural education and practice Education innovation European collaboration and policy Knowledge sharing and dissemination Interdisciplinary approach Community engagementRoberto 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 approachRoberto Cavallo pt 6 – What Comes After DigiNEB? The Future of the NEB Academy
What happens when EU-funded projects come to an end? Roberto Cavallo considers the long-term impact of DigiNEB, the potential of the NEB Academy, and how digital knowledge-sharing can support the future of sustainable design. He also discusses how European initiatives can foster lasting collaborations and new ways of thinking about architecture and urbanism.
New European Bauhaus AI and digital tools Knowledge sharing and dissemination Education innovation Sustainability Interdisciplinary approachSheela 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