Networks and cities' news

A Reflection about ARCHETHICS mid-point project

The ARCHETHICS Network, led by the Municipality of Cesena, is dedicated to addressing Dissonant Heritage in European cities by fostering awareness, community engagement, and urban regeneration initiatives. At its Mid-Term Reflection, held in Portugal in November 2024, the network assessed progress, highlighting successes such as increased public involvement, cross-European collaborations, and pilot activities that tested new approaches to heritage sites.

Key achievements include improved knowledge of dissonant heritage, strong stakeholder participation, and partnerships with universities and cultural institutions. However, challenges remain, including political resistance, funding shortages, and difficulties accessing some heritage sites. To overcome these obstacles, ARCHETHICS has proposed actions such as a Political Board Meeting, funding strategy workshops, a digital archive, and enhanced local communication. The overall outlook remains positive, with cities committed to advancing the project’s objectives.

Globalisation in a microcosm: stories of touristification and climate adaptation in Granada

The struggles of a Spanish city provide a lesson in preservation and promotion of the historic city centre. 

The city of Granada is synonymous with the breathtaking Alhambra palace. This outstanding cultural asset is truly a wonder from another time. Yet, an identity so closely linked to heritage brings a multitude of challenges. Granada’s central district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 (Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín) As a result, the city is now blessed and plagued with an influx of tourists who understandably place the Alhambra on their list of must-see sights. In recent years, locals have seen their numbers dwindle, and university students (which represent almost 20% of city population) struggle to find affordable accommodation, as short term rentals on platforms such as AirBnb flood the market. Visitors often stay for only one or two nights, eating tapas, visiting the Alhambra and continuing their tour after buying some inexpensive souvenirs. Owing to its position in southern Spain, between the sea and the mountains, the city is now charged with innovating strategies to grow their destination in a sustainable way, all while grappling with climate events that are becoming increasingly more noticeable. Behind the aesthetically pleasing facade, Granada has the third worst air quality in all of Spain, mainly due to topography and traffic pollution.

From newcomers to neighbors: the importance of welcoming and integrating new residents

With declining birth rates and population migrating to large urban hubs, mid-sized and small cities all over Europe strive to survive by attracting new residents. Bringing new people in is a great first step, but there’s a bigger challenge ahead: making sure they feel at home, accepted by local community. 

City branding and marketing: Tools to attract visitors, investments and new residents

In an era where small and medium-sized cities face the challenges of depopulation, city branding and marketing emerge as crucial strategies to attract people to visit, work, study, and live in these areas. This was the key focus of Mr. Carlos Brito’s lecture during the URBACT APN "Residents of the Future" meeting in Mangualde, Portugal. As an expert in city branding, Mr. Brito emphasized that branding transcends promotional efforts - it is a strategic framework for enhancing visibility, retaining communities, and attracting newcomers.

Transforming Public Spaces with Youth Engagement in Pula

As part of the Re-Gen project, Pula is transforming underused public spaces into vibrant sports centers, promoting creativity, collaboration and a sense of belonging among the city's youth. By reusing these areas, Pula is breathing new life into its urban landscape. Through workshops, events and creative actions, the project has become a cornerstone of urban revitalization and active community participation.

Digitisation and industrial innovation: How to get ready?

Today, cities are uniquely positioned to foster the conditions for industrial innovation, and digitisation is crucial to driving these changes.