STARTUP

What

Sustainable Transitions. Action, Research and Training in Urban Perspective (STARTUP) explores the role of cultural practices and heritage in regenerating the urban fabric of cities and how they can drive the transition toward a more sustainable and accessible environment.

Coordinated by La Sapienza University of Rome, the STARTUP project focuses on sustainable transitions through a research-based and collaborative action approach, aiming to promote transformative changes in urban contexts. Its main goal is to develop a European framework for creative placemaking*, based on the core values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative: aesthetics, sustainability, and inclusion.

The methodology follows a “bottom-up” approach, meaning that local communities actively participate in the planning and creation of these urban spaces.

How

The project is carried out through a dual action-research process, using the placemaking paradigm, which leverages the capacity of citizens and local stakeholders to transform urban spaces.

Through a participatory approach, cultural mappings and comparative case studies will provide an empirical foundation to evaluate sustainable architectural design, policies, new governance models, and the social, economic, and environmental impacts of these initiatives. Eight small-scale pilot projects and case studies will be conducted to validate the approach, with findings culminating in the development of a European creative placemaking framework.

Additionally, a digital and accessible placemaking framework will be developed, allowing for its adaptation to different European contexts. The research will be carried out in collaboration with local authorities, communities, and cultural professionals, including ZEMOS98.

Why

Many cities face challenges such as loss of local identity, lack of inclusive public spaces, inequality, real estate pressure, and gentrification. Traditional urban planning often fails to address the real needs of communities. In contrast, collaborative efforts between communities and artists can offer innovative strategies to tackle these challenges, serving as powerful tools for creating more livable and inclusive cities.

The project will provide governments and communities with new approaches to urban development through an open and digital model. It is not just about studying the problem but about activating concrete solutions in each territory to generate real impact.

*Creative placemaking is a collaborative process between communities and artists, where creativity and cultural and artistic expression are used to reimagine and improve public spaces.