Aarti Nair’s Post

Between 8-12 April, Romania will host the @International Urban Greening Week 2024 in Bucharest-Ilfov region. 👏 Landscape design, construction, and maintenance of green spaces in the communist neighborhoods – is the challenge proposed for participants.   During the Romanian International Urban Green Week, we delve into the unique urban landscape of Bucharest, exploring the development of this city with a special focus on the changes made after 1950. 🌿 The focus is on assessing, understanding, and transforming green spaces within neighborhoods shaped by the communist era in alignment with the latest trends in urban greening. Working collaboratively, the participants will brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to address identified challenges in Bucharest's green spaces. This includes proposing strategies for sustainable revitalization, community engagement, and integration of modern green methods, and technologies. 💚 #urbangreening #platformurbangreening #biodiversity #sustainability #VET #education

In today's rapidly urbanizing world, green spaces in cities are more than just aesthetic enhancements—they are vital components of urban life. Urban green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and greenways, play a crucial role in improving physical and mental health, enhancing air quality, and providing essential ecological services. They also serve as crucial gathering places for community activities and social interaction. One standout example of urban green space done well is Chicago's Millennium Park. Originally a rail yard and parking lots, this area was transformed into a vibrant, multi-functional park that includes the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean"), the Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a venue for free music events and performances. Millennium Park is not only a green retreat in the heart of the city but also a space that actively engages the community with arts, music, and interactive installations. Another notable example is Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. This futuristic park features innovative sustainable technologies and extraordinary botanical gardens, including the famous Supertree structures. It not only serves as a green lung for the city but is also a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, demonstrating the potential of green spaces to boost local economies through tourism. In Europe, Madrid’s Madrid Rio project transformed a major highway into a vibrant riverside park. This project has not only reclaimed the riverfront for pedestrian and recreational use but has also reconnected the city with its river, enhancing community well-being and biodiversity. These examples highlight how well-planned urban green spaces can be dynamically integrated into the city fabric, offering not just environmental benefits but also becoming beloved centers of urban life. They prove that when green spaces are thoughtfully designed to be accessible, engaging, and responsive to the needs of the community, they enhance the quality of city life immeasurably. What are other examples of urban green spaces done well? #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #GreenSpaces #CommunityDevelopment #CityLife #UrbanParks

The Municipality of Reggio Emilia has defined guidelines and content for a strategy to reorganise mobility and promote the hybrid use of public space. MIC-HUB outlined the principles of proximity urbanism and its potential in the context of Reggio Emilia. The team analysed and mapped the territory, focusing on the neighbourhood scale, and studied the connection between the polarities and their relations of proximity, working on: ·      an evaluation grid to identify centralities based on social, environmental, commercial and mobility services; ·      the establishment of Urban Cores based on Reggio Emilia’s road network; ·      an analysis of the Urban Cores to understand their proximity value and pedestrian practicability; ·      the definition of two distinct urban units: the polarities or UICs (Urban Intensity Cores) where active city life happens and the transition areas between the cores or UTAs (Urban Transition Areas). This tool helped us identify and select the cores and areas for the implementation of projects. The approach included the definition of pedestrian accessibility that can trigger the redesign of public spaces to initiate long-term physical, social, economic, and environmental benefits, increasing the sustainability of the whole urban system. This methodology will help create a 30 km/h city by transforming road design and placing the focus on pedestrians and sustainable mobility. This, in turn, will create a better public space for the city and its citizens. MIC-HUB prepared the Feasibility Project for the Improvement of Road Safety and Environmental Quality in Densely Populated Areas: City 30 and the Hamlets, for the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The project is financed by the Design Fund for Priority Works provided for in Decree no. 171 of 10/05/19 by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Gaia Sgaramella Read more: https://lnkd.in/dYbTFbnh #ItalianMobility #SustainableItaly #UrbanTransport #GreenCitiesItaly #MobilityShift #reggioemilia #proximity #polarities #mapping #transport #sustainablemobility #mobilityplanning #mobility #pedestrian #accessibility #equity #cycling #bike #micromobility #cyclist #roadsafety #smartmobility #urbanplanning #urbanmobility #sustainability #urbandesign #urbanspace #michub

When it comes to finding inspiration for new ideas and models in urban planning, Europe is (almost) always a sure bet. Take this next example of JOY in city building: the Barcelona superblock, the city’s street transformation program. The basic idea of a superblock is to combine a large area of roughly three-by-three blocks as shared-use space. Here are the principles that inform this new street model: ✅ Priority use for citizens ✅ A single-level street from façade to façade, with asphalt road surfaces a thing of the past ✅ More greenery (from 1% to more than 10%) ✅ A new environmental infrastructure and more fertile subsoil ✅ Streets accessible for everyone ✅ A new lighting system for a new atmosphere ✅ New furniture to encourage social uses ✅ Focus on local commerce While there are only a handful of superblocks at present, plans are to build up to 500 throughout the city. How does the Barcelona superblock exemplify the JOY Principles? It’s clear that one of the main priorities with Barcelona’s new street program is increasing social relations and connectedness among citizens. From a people-first approach to new furniture and lighting that promote socialization, this project clearly reflects one of the new JOY contexts: expanded scope to a “social scope”. The Barcelona superblock is about more than just getting rid of cars—it’s an opportunity to bring people together. While they may not have stated it as such, the City of Barcelona understands that when developing new urban projects, one of the problems we need to solve for are the human and community effects of a divided society, epidemic levels of loneliness, depression, isolation, and distrust of institutions. Thoughts? Have you visited a superblock? Share your experience in the comments below. #citybuilding #cityliving #urbandesign #urbanplanning #urbanist #placemaking #socialconnection #socialfabric #barcelona #joyfulcities #joyexperiments

I had a great opportunity to study current planning and open space practice in Barcelona in late May, with Barcelona Field School - City Lab Barcelona. Great colleagues and leadership for the program, which showed the challenges of urbanism that were familiar, surprising, shared and very specific. No surprise, but Superblocks are a lot more complicated than a diagram, and generate a lot of different perspectives, in a city that is also reckoning with the weight of global tourism. https://lnkd.in/gtaN7tkt

Unlikely Spaces, Remarkable Transformations: Barcelona, Medellín, Rotterdam. 👇 In the realm of urban innovation, Barcelona, Medellín, and Rotterdam have pioneered the transformation of seemingly impossible spaces into vibrant public realms. ✅ Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona revitalized its industrial waterfront into a dynamic hub of green spaces, cultural venues, and recreational facilities, fostering community engagement and economic growth. ✅ Medellín, Colombia. Medellín's innovative projects, like public escalators in Comuna 13 and investment in libraries and parks, have empowered marginalized communities, breaking down barriers and promoting social inclusion. ✅ Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rotterdam's Hofbogen project, repurposing an abandoned railway viaduct, and the floating forest initiative showcase the city's commitment to creativity and sustainability, transforming spaces and adapting to climate change challenges. These cities serve as inspiring examples of how visionary planning and community engagement can turn neglected areas into thriving public spaces, enriching the urban fabric and enhancing quality of life. #architecture #buildings #designandbuild

Real estate development, or in other words, creating your future home, is intertwined with various strategies and decisions so that you can live where you feel most yourself. We at RE Excellence have been growing for many years as a strengthening team of experts and as a team that has refined the essential qualities important to urban dwellers seeking comfortable luxury. What are the guiding stars of our current projects? 🟤Exclusive, prestigious urban niches: Homes not in open fields but where the location itself has long dictated history. This is how the exceptional Žvėrynas City was born, created from the city's and nature's heritage, in one of the most convenient locations in the city, and Žygimantų 12, which continues the deep history of Vilnius Old Town, is still growing. 🟤15-minute city: Everything that is important to city people is nearby. We develop projects where their residents can reach the basic amenities and enrich their cultural experiences as city dwellers. 🟤Not the city outskirts, but the city centre: For a busy person, it is essential to be where everything is close. Although it may sometimes seem that you won't find peace in the centre, the more you look, the more it becomes untrue. The city centre and its surroundings are full of greenery. Hence, the landscape architecture of our developed projects is one of the most critical components that you will find in homes created by RE Excellence, whether it's the green surroundings of Žvėrynas City, where you'll feel like you're in a forest in the middle of the city, or the calming inner courtyard of Žygimantų 12, right next to the Neris River. If at least one of our thoughts aligns with your residential priorities, let's talk: https://lnkd.in/dJskb9Cb #REExcellence #Žygimantų12 #ŽvėrynasCity

How can cities transform urban life through public-private collaborations? 🚀 At our recent webinar, we explored the challenges and opportunities of fostering innovation within cities, featuring insights from Alexander Schmidt and Michael Donaldson. Michael Donaldson shared valuable perspectives on Barcelona’s approach. Barcelona’s innovation strategy is driven by BIT Habitat, a public-private foundation that brings together city officials, private sector representatives, and academia to create a collaborative ecosystem. The city’s strategy involves defining urban challenges, consulting with the market, and issuing open calls for solutions. Innovative projects like 21st-century tiles and building regeneration with prefabricated structures are key examples of their success. However, challenges remain. Issues such as slow procurement processes, averaging 22 months, and the need for better impact measurement were highlighted. Michael emphasised the urgency of accelerating innovation to meet climate goals, calling for improved processes and data. Barcelona’s approach also encourages international participation in tenders and innovation challenges. Successful projects are scaled up for broader implementation, and public IP ensures that city-funded innovations are accessible to any company, promoting a competitive and open market. Complete our survey for the private sector only and receive a free coaching call with our experts! https://lnkd.in/e2PdYCgj #SmartCity #UrbanInnovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #Barcelona #SustainableCities

The main objective of #LIFEBauhausingEurope is to boost the ecological transition of European communities by applying the approach pursued by the #NewEuropeanBauhaus in the renovation of 5 public buildings and spaces. In Latvia the choosen building is located in the centre of Ādaži. It is one part of 3 interconnected properties. It was built in 1985 for the needs of the sports field. The building does not comply with the requirements of the Latvian building. Since 2019, the building has been used as an office building but it is planned that the employees who currently work in the office will be transferred to other premises, so the municipality is currently expressing various options for how the building will be used in the future. LIFE Programme EuroVértice Consultants, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Pro Progressione, Green Building Council Croatia , Ekodoma Ltd, Ayuntamiento De Cartagena, Ayuntamiento de Blanca, Municipality of Adaži, Municipality of Varaždin, District of Erzsébetváros #sustainability, #inclusion, #aesthetics, #architecture, #biodiversity, #arts, #creativeindustries, #people, #communities, #greendeal #LIFEprogramme

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of learning from the experiences of others cannot be overstated. This is especially true for cities striving to achieve sustainable and innovative urban development. A prime example of this is the remarkable transformation of #Freiburg, Germany, which began in the mid-1980s under the visionary leadership of #WulfDaseking, the city’s urban planning director. Freiburg’s journey towards becoming a model of sustainability and livability offers invaluable lessons for cities worldwide. By embracing principles of ecological, economic, and social sustainability, Freiburg has demonstrated how integrated urban planning can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality 🌱🏙️. Key takeaways from Freiburg’s success include: #SustainableEnergy Practices: Freiburg’s early adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies has set a benchmark for cities aiming to reduce their carbon footprint 🌞🔋. #ParticipatoryPlanning: The involvement of residents in the planning process, as seen in the development of the Vauban district, highlights the power of community engagement in shaping urban spaces 🏡🤝. #IntegratedTransport Solutions: Freiburg’s focus on sustainable transport options, including extensive cycling infrastructure and efficient public transit, has enhanced mobility while reducing environmental impact 🚴♂️🚌. By learning from Freiburg and other pioneering cities, urban planners and policymakers can adopt best practices that are tailored to their unique contexts. This collaborative approach not only fosters innovation but also accelerates the global transition towards more sustainable and resilient urban environments 🌐🌿. Let’s continue to share knowledge and experiences, building a better future for our cities and communities 🌟. Join us in #Oradea! Register now! #CitiesofTommorow #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #CityPlanning #Freiburg #LearningFromOthers #VisitOradea #CityofOradea #ADLO #BihorCounty