Europan Germany

E16: Topic

Living Cities

Metabolic Vitalities – Inclusive Vitalities

The competition Europan 16 “Living Cities – Lebendige Städte” asks how we can counter climate change and man-made social, economic and cultural inequalities in the urbanized spaces of our cities and communities with innovative and inclusive projects and new planning processes?

The goal of the competition is to develop ideas for neglected, derelict, empty, stigmatized or monofunctionally used spaces in order to transform them back into vibrant, inclusive and mixed urban spaces.

 

Dynamics of the Circular Economy

The dynamics of the circular economy make it possible to consider elements of architecture, urban and landscape planning, water, material and energy cycles in the Europan projects, to connect them with each other and to think and plan new living urban spaces through their interrelation.

Urban spaces are viewed as complex ecosystems that generate flows inward and outward and are constantly evolving. Considering the dynamics of the circular economy can have an impact on the design process on a number of levels. Issues of recyclability, reuse of organic materials, use of renewable energy, adaptation to climate change, and integration of nature and biodiversity can help to trigger innovative projects and processes at the E16 competition sites.

The transformation of urbanized urban spaces into ecosystems between nature and culture can contribute to the reduction of the ecological footprint and the consumption of non-renewable resources in urbanized spaces in the long term.

 

Dynamics of Integration

Cities today are increasingly confronted with conflicts and exclusion processes arising from exclusion, marginalization, and the lack of affordable housing, employment, education, and public services. In order to counteract these social disruptions, currently abandoned, stigmatized or empty urban spaces should be transformed back into inclusive places. The focus here is on structural-spatial dynamics of inclusion that support territorial justice through the articulation of social and environmental concerns. Issues of accessibility to public infrastructures and affordable housing should play a primary role in fostering vibrant urban societies.

Shared care for our cities as immediate living environments can promote inclusion by transforming currently marginalized spaces back into places of exchange, shared learning, and biodiversity.