CRAFT - Creating Actionable Futures

After three years of exploring local collaborative governance models across European cities through the lens of the New European Bauhaus, CrAFt’s final event will bring together key insights and reflections on the future of sustainable urban development. Taking place in Brussels on 6-7 March 2025, the event will showcase findings from the project and highlight new approaches to shaping more inclusive, beautiful, and resilient cities. Read more and register: https://craft-cities.eu/events/craft-final-event/

Across Europe, more homeowners are generating surplus solar energy—but what if, instead of sending it back to the grid, they could share it locally? Thanks to innovative online platforms, homeowners can now trade excess power with their neighbours, cutting costs and reducing waste. Read more: https://craft-cities.eu/stories/energy-sharing-through-an-online-platform-a-step-toward-local-sustainable-energy-for-homeowners/

As Finland’s population ages, the Age- and Memory-Friendly Project is helping housing associations create safer, more accessible homes while fostering stronger communities—ensuring elderly residents can live independently for longer. Read their story: https://ow.ly/6Uu050UU0Ju

The members of CrAFt’s last Core Group of Students share their experience of organising a Think/Do Tank in Milan. Instead of following past editions, the intensity of the process led them to a different path—one that embraced slowing down and truly sensing their surroundings. Read their story: https://ow.ly/pA6g50UU0zu

The H2020 Infinite project showcases sustainable retrofitting through prefabrication, as seen in Slovenia's Ravne na Koroškem. A 1982 building is being transformed with eco-friendly panels, cutting energy costs while maintaining affordable rent, offering a model for Europe’s green renovation efforts. Read more: https://ow.ly/B7AU50UU0ao

Lies Debbaut’s transition from teaching geography in a secondary school to coordinating urban climate policy highlights her passion for the environment and dedication to fostering sustainable cities. Five years ago, she made a decisive move into public administration, joining the climate team at the City of Bruges. There, she quickly took the lead on initiatives designed to lower the city's carbon emissions. Today, Lies is focused on transforming the Quay District, playing a central role in a groundbreaking project that seeks to revitalise Bruges' urban areas while tackling urgent climate issues. Read her story: https://ow.ly/WFB250UU01N

The Swedish BID model showcases the transformative power of local cooperation among property owners in addressing urban challenges. Inspired by the North American concept of Business Improvement Districts, the Swedish adaptation focuses on voluntary, collective efforts to enhance safety, sustainability, and livability in suburban areas. Read the story:

Local Cooperation among property owners: The story of the Swedish BID model - CrAFt The Swedish BID model showcases the transformative power of local cooperation among property owners in addressing urban challenges. Inspired by the North American concept of Business Improvement Districts, the Swedish adaptation focuses on voluntary, collective efforts to enhance safety, sustainabil...

"The place where I connect" is a short film series produced by CrAFt's Core Group of Students, exploring the deep connection between our emotions and the cities we inhabit. Each episode delves into personal reflections, uncovering how urban environments shape the protagonists while inspiring change. Through intimate storytelling, the series reveals the impact of city design on individual and collective well-being. Read more:

Video essays: The place where I connect - CrAFt "The place where I connect" is a short film series produced by CrAFt's Core Group of Students, exploring the deep connection between our emotions and the cities we inhabit. Each episode delves into personal reflections, uncovering how urban environments shape the protagonists while inspiring change....

Imagine this: a resident sitting comfortably in their living room, enjoying a book, a cold beer, or a football match. Meanwhile, every lightbulb is switched on, every gadget plugged in, and every electric appliance contributes not only to their comfort but also to a communal reserve fund dedicated to improving their building. This is the reality at the Marius Renard building in Anderlecht, in the Brussels Region, where an ambitious energy community has turned sustainability into a way of life. Read the story:

A revolution at home: transforming everyday living through energy communities - CrAFt Imagine this: a resident sitting comfortably in their living room, enjoying a book, a cold beer, or a football match. Meanwhile, every lightbulb is switched on, every gadget plugged in, and every electric appliance contributes not only to their comfort but also to a communal reserve fund dedicated t...

Join us on 27 January at 10:30 for the online workshop Bridging Perspectives: A Dialogue Between Private Providers and Students on Housing Needs and Expectations. This event will focus on key housing issues, including affordability, availability, and sustainability, and aims to foster open dialogue between students and landlords. Register now: https://ow.ly/RpN250UHt4s

The RELAUNCHTOWIN project in Burgas, Bulgaria, is transforming a decaying sports hall into a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and a vibrant community space. Driven by sustainability and inclusivity, the initiative prioritises citizen engagement as part of its commitment to the New European Bauhaus principles. This project aims to make this building and Burgas a model for modern urban development, blending innovation with community-focused design and green spaces. Read the story:

RELAUNCHTOWIN: Crafting a sustainable and inclusive future in Burgas - CrAFt The RELAUNCHTOWIN project in Burgas, Bulgaria, is transforming a decaying sports hall into a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and a vibrant community space. Driven by sustainability and inclusivity, the initiative prioritises citizen engagement as part of its commitment to the New European Bauhaus...