Networks and cities' news

#RzeClimat(On) behind us

Fresh Ideas for a Greener Rzeszów.

Advancing Green and Smart Urban Development in Villena

From November 18th -21st, 2024, Villena, Spain, hosted a pivotal meeting of the EcoCore Network, which included the mid-term review of the project and a masterclass on Smart and Green Industrial Zones. The event, enriched by expert contributions, site visits, and workshops, provided a comprehensive platform for exploring strategies that align industrial development with sustainability and innovation.

The Unconventional Architectural narrative of Albania

Author: Dr. Doriana Musaj, Tirana

The collapse of the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the downfall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, marked a significant turning point in the historical narrative of Albania. After declaring independence from the Ottoman Empire just prior to World I, Albania’s development as an independent nation-state was hijacked by a prolonged period of brutal repression under the 46-year reign of an oppressive Stalinist regime led by Albania’s dictator, Enver Hoxha.  For the last decade of Hoxha’s reign (1975-1985), Albanians lived in complete isolation from the global community. The communist ideology that governed the nation for half a century initially eradicated the concept of God, subsequently fractured familial bonds, and established an intricate system of internal surveillance, reshaping society into distinct categories of party members and perceived adversaries of the state. Under these circumstances, the period of transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic system has been – and remains —fraught with challenges. Despite the passage of over three decades, the nation has not engaged in the necessary work of reflecting on past events in order to understand how the dictatorship arose, its consequences and ongoing effects, or the significance of these things to contemporary social, cultural, political and economic life.  This reflection is urgent and imperative.  
This article begins reflecting on the past by exploring Albania’s dissonant architecture through a narrative perspective.  Dissonant architecture possesses the unique ability to uncover and examine historical narratives embodied in architectural styles and spaces.  As such, it serves as a conduit that connects past and present and so exposes the links between generations (links that oppressive regimes intentionally annihilate). In order to fully understand the various aspects of dissonant architecture in Albania, it's crucial at first to understand the historical context in which this architecture emerged. This article uses 2 architectural case studies to explicate this historical context and explore the stories of past and present that dissonant architecture tells: the Pyramid of Enver Hoxha, and the National Theater of Albania.

The Green Student Parliament discussed sustainability in Veszprém

As part of the BiodiverCity project, the Green Student Parliament gathered in Veszprém's City Hall on 26 November 2024 to engage in discussions on environmental and social sustainability. This unique biennial forum, which has been running for 16 years, serves as a platform for young people in Hungary to voice their concerns and propose solutions for pressing sustainability issues.

3rd Quarterly Report for the Residents of the Future project is out

Thank you for joining us in this third Quarterly Report for the Residents of the Future project. We’re thrilled
to share the progress and dedication that each city has poured into this transformative journey. This edition
highlights the impressive strides taken across our network, from Testing Actions that bring new life to local
spaces, to initiatives aimed at retaining youth, enhancing community engagement, and building sustainable
housing solutions.

 

Download the full report here >> 

The Power of Investment in Small Cities: Keeping Residents and Attracting New Talent

Small cities across Europe are at a crossroads. Many are seeing young people leave for larger urban centers, chasing better job opportunities and lifestyles. This phenomenon, known as urban shrinkage, threatens the vitality of these communities. Investments create new job opportunities, support local businesses, and improve the quality of life. When people see their city as a place with potential, they’re more likely to stay and others are more likely to move in. Attracting investments into small cities is a huge challenge. How to attract investors? Where to find them? What should we offer? How to distinct good investments from the bad ones. And what does it even mean?