Networks and cities' news

Designing the neighbourhood of the XXI century, through strategic innovation

“It could be that the neighbourhood, not the individual, is the essential unit of social change. If you’re trying to improve lives, maybe you have to think about changing many elements of a single neighborhood, in a systematic way, at a steady pace.” – David Brooks

EAT MAKE PLAY: A community enterprise that promotes participation and local trading for the benefit of the community

Traditionally, we see mediators as people/organisations external to the conflict. What if it were done differently? If the center point of mediation were within the community itself?

The most significant change in Come in! Transfer Network

How can one capture the change reached or created thanks to a transfer process. Who is the most affected by these changes? How is it possible to detect outcomes and societal impact linked to a community-based and community-targeted intervention? Actually what is considered an impact at all and how to assess it?

Creating space for people starts with talking to people

Guía de Isora is characterised by its polycentric structure of 17 villages with 3 main centres and an overall low population density with about 21,000 inhabitants spreading out over 14,343 km². Public transport services face challenges from low ridership and the high quantity of needed connections to provide a good travel option between the villages thus, for residents and visitors alike. Consequently, the main mode chosen to travel between the villages is cars coming along with using much of the available public space for roads and parking. Guía de Isora strives to provide attractive and safe public spaces, however. Starting with the centre of the main village, Guia de Isora Casco, the city plans to apply pilots for testing how changes are met by people. But to safeguard a good start to the pilots, they simply asked people on their problems and needs!

Alba Iulia, "Sustainable Community - European Energy Award"

The beginning of this week brought good news for Alba Iulia, the Other Capital: the confirmation that the continuous efforts made for the development of a smart city and sustainable community were not in vain. His Excellency Mr. Arthur Mattli, the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Romania, was present in Alba Iulia to confirm the good path the Other Capital is following in terms of becoming a sustainable community. The city, represented by Mr. Mayor Gabriel Pleșa, Deputy Mayors and other representatives of Alba Iulia Municipality, was awarded by HE Mr. Arthur Mattli with the prestigious "Sustainable Community - European Energy Award".

The impact of tourism on urban environment: strategies and actions to make tourism destinations green and sustainable

The online Transnational Meeting held on 14 and 15 July 2021 had a focus on the environmental dimension of tourism, one of the main layers of Tourism Friendly Cities. The case of Druskininkai and the analysis of the local strategies carried out by the partners on the topic provided a clear picture of the main issues related to make tourism less impactful on environment in European cities.