Last Friday, December 13, Jose Torres and Marian Pérez Bernal from the CoNECT team of the UPO interviewed Ángel Luis Álvarez, member of Torreblanca Verde. Torreblanca Verde is an ecological and social initiative born in 2017 from the TAR group of the Polytechnic School of Engineers of Seville and the Civic Center Juan Antonio González Caraballo of Torreblanca in collaboration with associations and neighbors of the neighborhood.  Torreblanca Verde tries to naturalize, beautify and contribute to the improvement of the urban habitat of the neighborhood of Torreblanca de los Caños de Sevilla. In addition to transforming the spaces, the aim is to improve the image that both the neighborhood and visitors have of their neighborhood. After an intense interview at the civic center, we took a walk through Torreblanca to visit some of the facilities they are working on. We were able to see the graffiti that has been made of the grandmothers of the neighborhood, we visited the Salvador Valverde square, the Ramiche pond and the Butterfly Sanctuary.

On 12 December 2024, the Dutch CoNECT team hosted a symposium on 'Design Pedagogies for a Post-Growth Future' to bring spatial researchers and educators together around the question: Can we envision futures beyond consumerist, growth-oriented societies? What would this mean for circularity in the construction industry, indoor thermal comfort, or the design of public and green urban spaces? And what are the implications for architectural and urban design education? The symposium was held at the Trappenzaal at Eindhoven University of Technology and also served as the closing event of the exhibition 'Together Tomorrow: Reimagining Every Practices'. Dr. Oana Druta introduced the subject of the symposium in the context of in the context of the contemporary polycrisis (climate change, overconsumption, inequality, polarization...) or, in slightly euphemistic terms, the 'great societal challenges' that we face and which universities try to prepare students for. To these she added the 'crisis of hope' which students, educators and practitioners often come up against: are we really able to imagine and believe in positive futures in the face of these crises? Here she introduced post-growth thinking as a radical and hopeful strategy for rethinking our world beyond the crises of contemporary capitalist life and the cycles we appear locked into. She pointed that design pedagogies are a particularly hopeful place to start, offering educators and future designers a way to critically rethink architecture's complicity in growth-based industries and practices, and the ability of design to reshape imaginaries of the future. radical/hopeful values and principles of post-growth thinking Our first speaker, Dr. Alejandro de Castro Mazarro , started off by challenging the normative idea of the 'good' city: what makes a city good, and how do we measure this? Often we think designing is about giving people what they want, but Alejandro compared this mentality to eating too much candy and chocolate: it might be what we want and enjoy in the short term, but ultimately it can cause debilitating and life-threatening illness without us noticing. It might be necessary to recognize that the good, healthy city is not the same as the 'nice', fun city of our consumerist urges. He also pointed out that theories of 'the good city' still tend to follow the ecomodernist script that technological progress and economic growth will eventually lead to greater efficiency, equality and overall quality of life; but looking at the material evidence, this is simply not true. Alejandro's recent work therefore looks at the material reality of architectural and production: how much steel and concrete is actually used in even 'sustainable' European building projects, where do these resources come from, and what is their extraction doing to landscapes around the world? The theme of the wanting it all in the short-term rather than understanding well-being in the longer term was echoed in Dr. Lenneke Kuijer 's presentation about designing for an 'eco-harmonist' persona rather than the 'techno-hedonist' that dominates contemporary design imaginaries. Working from a social practice perspective, Lenneke discussed the ways in which the designed 'stuff' around us accumulates, stacks and accelerates as we delegate more and more of our tasks and responsibilities to technology. This desire for convenience, ease and smoothness results in experiences of deskilling, artificialization and disempowerments; and by designing for an imagined persona with these desires, designers perpetuate these technologies and processes. Instead, Lenneke proposes flipping this around and designing instead for an imagined 'eco-harmonist' : someone who is willing, even eager, to invest some time and effort, learn new skills, and change their expectations of 'normal' contemporary life. She points out that by designing for this persona, we put this imaginary into the world, and can make products and processes which do change people's practices and therefore their expectations and desires, just as designing only for the techno-hedonist turns us all into techno-hedonists. how would we design differently, and therefore stimulate different practices, if we imagined we were designing for an 'eco-harmonist' instead of a 'techno-hedonist' as end user? © Lenneke Kuijer Dr. Corelia Baibarac-Duignan 's presentation on affective 'rurban' encounters built on the ideas of changing people's conceptions of normality through practice, and rethinking our (extractive, dominating, functionalist) relationship to land and to nature, and the divide between urban and rural, as an essential part of sustainability transitions . Using projects in the Lutkemeerpolder (a contested site on the Amsterdam's urban-rural border) and the University of Twente campus, she showed how designers and educators can use artistic practice to defamiliarize people, making the 'normal' strange and allowing people to reflect critically on their assumptions and habits while experiencing a radically different way of relating to land, water and more-than-human life ('how do we listen to the soil if worms don't speak English...?'). Through these 'situated rurban encounters', participants are encouraged to relate to landscape not in terms of green infrastructure but rather green intimacies . 'Listening to the soil' and 'Green intimacies' workshops to defamiliarize people's relationships to nature and green space. ©Corelia Baibarac-Duignan The three talks made clear that moving beyond growth-based ideologies is not as simple as teaching new methods and techniques within existing systems. Rather, design pedagogies for a transformed future must themselves transform: exploring new ways of understanding and engaging with the world around us; developing new ways of communicating design (if you draw a degrowth proposal using conventional architectural tools, 'it just looks like nothing', Alejandro points out); and reimagining the personas we design for. Pedagogy can also be a method of transforming subjectivities, helping both students and educators to develop more harmonious and rewarding relationships with their environment and thus changing the way they will design for and intervene in that environment - suggesting not only more sustainable but also more equitable and representational future cities and landscapes. The recorded talks will be uploaded on YouTube soon along with previous CoNECT webinars .

In the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, CoNECT researchers Dr Oana Druta and Louwrens Botha worked with masters students at Eindhoven University of Technology to develop a public exhibition about everyday community practices as alternatives to the capitalist status quo. Alongside Dr Sergio de Sousa Lopes Figueiredo of the Curatorial Research Collective , we explored the theoretical aspects of social practice and post-growth living, using the practices mapped by the CoNECT project as a basis for imagining 'urban life after capitalism' and exhibiting this research in the form of information, photos, artefacts and architectural drawings. Collaboratively designed and constructed by the students, the resulting exhibition 'Together Tomorrow: reimagining everyday practices' had a public opening at De Fabriek in June 2024 and was displayed in updated form in Casa Vertigo on the TU/e campus from October to December. the first exhibition build at De Fabriek second iteration in Casa Vertigo, TU/e campus The exhibition specifically asks what the role of architects and architecture might be in initiating, facilitating and sustaining these community practices, and invites visitors to slow down and experience fragments of these futures in the present. It takes the form of a series of framed spaces, using repurposed wood and fabric to organize content thematically around a central table for shared activity and conversation. Social connections are a central theme to most of the initiatives, both in their aims and how they go about doing things. This space showed an overview of the various practices, with participants building, thinking, deciding, cooking and eating together. Work, play and politics become entangled in an enriched experience which emphasizes the importance and pleasures of togetherness. a collage of practices of togetherness in selected projects The exhibition then turns to the architectural and spatial element. From fully realized technical spaces, to social housing, community gardens and repair workshops; how have these spaces been crafted to work with people and for people? How does the spatial arrangement facilitate and encourage doing things differently? Drawings and photos show how the spatial container of alternative everyday practices can be moulded out of already existing buildings and urban spaces by making a virtue out of necessity, but also demonstrating a commitment to the principle of sufficiency. On display here are both purpose-built spaces, and initiatives that adapt and remake existing spaces to grow incrementally in step with their changing needs. architectural configuration and expression Related to the spatial arrangement is the architectural expression: by looking at how the built forms of initiatives work, students begin to develop a better idea of how these environments satisfy the needs of the communities that inhabit them and facilitate the work being done. Many initiatives use marginal urban space, or are designed to be temporary, mobile, and have multiple locations over time. These breathe new life into otherwise overlooked and undervalued areas. Students further asked how the architecture of these structures and spaces deal with the underlying material constraints, the need to be temporary or nomadic, or the logics of communal construction. How do they become focal points of identity and pride? personal accounts from CoNECT interviews are positioned next to a mirrored room allowing visitors to reimagine themselves and their own lives How does it feel to do everyday activities differently from the rest of the world? How easy is it to live and implement non-capitalist values within the ongoing capitalist system? For many, an alternative seems unimaginable. For others, it’s daily life. The final space shows snippets of personal accounts of participants of these practices, giving a direct insight into their experiences of conviviality, interpersonal connection, slowing down, and the satisfaction of getting things done. The space invites visitors to take a seat and reflect, literally seeing themselves among these people and places. Nearby, posters, documents and artefacts from the various initiatives are displayed as tangible traces of these concrete lived realities. In trying to embody the values of the research in the design and construction of the exhibition, students made use of salvaged wood and fabric off-cuts, using expressive dowel joints to show how random lengths of wood can be reused in a standardized structure, and forming flexible partitions. This actively communicates its methods of recycling and assembly, and means the exhibition can adapt to different contexts and grow over time to accommodate new material - already seen in its two different iterations. architectural details and tectonics express the repeatable reuse of salvaged materials Linking these spaces is the large central table where visitors meet each other when crossing between the different displays; where they are invited to sit and read further, play a board game, write a poem, or, on opening night, literally help to peel potatoes. Throughout its time at Casa Vertigo, this table hosted workshops, crafting activities, lunch meetings and students unwinding by building a puzzle or playing board games. central table as meeting and events pace in the heart of the exhibition In a culture of excessive production and consumption, we are bombarded with messages telling us that we need to do more, be more and have more. We are taught that less production and less consumption means less prosperity and happiness. Instead, this exhibition challenges us to rethink what ‘the good life’ is. It shows the value of creativity and communality over efficiency and convenience, of paying attention to your community and natural environments, of allowing yourself time for meaningful relationships. At the end of the exhibition, you are invited to slow down, play, chat, and reflect.  See a walkthrough of the original exhibition setup below, narrated by one of the students involved:

This May, we received incredible news: our Urboteca Fellowship 2024 teams will showcase their case studies at the International Book Fair, Bookfest 2024! The event will take place on June 1st at Romexpo in Bucharest, marking a major milestone for our fellows and their innovative projects. What is the Urboteca Fellowship? Urboteca Fellowship 2024 is a program dedicated to exploring public interest topics at the neighborhood and urban community levels. Through participatory diagnostics of public spaces and facilities, our fellows identify key issues and bring forward creative solutions. Their goal is to ensure better resource distribution and to make these insights accessible to local authorities and communities. Why Bookfest? Bookfest - the International Book Fair - is one of Romania’s premier literary events, drawing book enthusiasts, authors, and publishers from around the world. This year, our fellows have the unique opportunity to present their progress, share their innovative methodologies, and highlight the creative solutions they’ve developed. It’s a chance for their work to gain visibility and inspire conversations about urban transformation. What to Expect from Our Fellows On June 1st, our teams will share insights from their case studies, demonstrating how social mapping and participatory urbanism can lead to tangible community improvements. They’ll highlight the challenges they’ve encountered, the innovative tools they’ve employed, and the creative strategies they’ve crafted to address urban issues. This platform is not just about showcasing progress; it’s about connecting with a wider audience and fostering dialogue about the future of our cities. Join Us on This Journey We’re thrilled to bring Urboteca Fellowship 2024 to Bookfest and to share how we’re transforming urban communities. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this exciting event, and don’t forget to visit us at Romexpo on June 1st! Together, we’re redefining how we engage with our urban spaces, one project at a time. #UrbotecaFellowship2024 #Urboteca #ParticipatoryUrbanism #CoNECT #Bookfest2024 #Romexpo

This April, we gathered for a pivotal group meeting at the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism, where we discussed diverse development paths for our case studies. Here is a short dive into what we’ve been working on. Transforming Spaces, Building Communities At the heart of our fellowship projects is a shared goal: transforming urban spaces into hubs of community connection and creativity. Each case study explores unique challenges and opportunities, guided by innovative methods and active engagement. Replika Educational Theatre Center Replika aims to become a "third place" for educational theater, equipping students with life skills and personal development tools. Using questionnaires, the team is assessing the needs of nearby high schools and middle schools while exploring connections with civic initiatives in the Tineretului and Șincai neighborhoods. By contributing to local cohesion efforts, Replika envisions a thriving community space. AteliereleMalmaison: Preserving Heritage, Supporting Artists How can a historic building become a sanctuary for resident artists? This case study focuses on creating an accessible and artist-friendly space. Through mental mapping, the team is capturing the community’s perceptions and aspirations, seeking answers about what makes an artistic venue inclusive and welcoming. TeatrulMasca: Bringing Theatre to the Neighborhood Teatrul Masca strives to transform into a local theater deeply rooted in its community. By employing questionnaires, mental mapping, and street theater demonstrations, the project is identifying community needs and exploring ways to increase engagement and interaction with local residents. Cismi.Civic: Connecting Residents and Local Businesses The Cismi.Civic project explores the relationship between residents and small local businesses. Through social mapping techniques such as questionnaires, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and a photo safari documenting business spaces, the team is uncovering shared interests and opportunities for collaboration to foster community cohesion. Victoria Depot: From Technical Facility to Community Space This project reimagines a technical facility as a space for public interaction and community relevance. Using demographic and socio-economic surveys, interviews with residents, and digital social network analysis, the team is finding ways to balance the depot’s technical functions with its potential as an interactive transport museum. Together, we’re working to transform urban spaces and build stronger, more connected communities. Each case study is a step toward understanding how participatory urbanism can bring people together, highlighting the role of social mapping and collaboration in shaping the future of our cities. Follow us for more updates on the progress of our fellowship projects and the brilliant fellows behind them. Let’s continue to reimagine urban spaces, one step at a time. Discover our social mapping methods: https://urboteca.ro/metode-cartare-sociala/ #UrbotecaFellowship2024 #Urboteca #ParticipatoryUrbanism #CoNECT #jpiconect

On November 18th, we gathered at Modul Cărturești to officially mark the end of the Urboteca 2.0 Fellowship – a program that, in truth, is only just beginning to make its mark. It was an evening filled with meaning, as we reflected alongside coordinators and fellows on a journey that began long before the official launch. Where We Started Our preparations for this edition began in June 2023, as we sketched out the program’s objectives. We set out to train facilitators capable of building bridges between communities and their shared spaces, using participatory diagnostic methods. In September, at Modul Cărturești, we laid the program’s foundation alongside the hosts of our case studies. We envisioned bringing together architects, urbanists, anthropologists, sociologists, and artists to collaborate in identifying shared community interests. By January, we were thrilled to receive 54 applications – a clear signal of growing interest in participatory processes. What We Accomplished Last night, we retraced the steps of this journey, from those initial ideas to the presentation of our case study results. It was a moment of gratitude for everything we’ve built together. We also discussed what’s next: documenting this edition on dedicated web pages at urboteca.ro , sharing videos on YouTube, and collecting feedback from fellows to refine future editions. What We Felt The evening was enriched by authentic discussions about what this program meant to its participants. What were their expectations? What did they discover? How will they apply these new skills? It became clear that this fellowship isn’t just a project with a start and end date – it’s a foundation for creating a vibrant network of professionals who continue to inspire and innovate. Looking Ahead Urboteca 2.0 is more than a program; it’s about understanding and strengthening communities around shared spaces and interests. This story doesn’t end here. Together, we will continue to debate, dream, and transform. A heartfelt thank you to our fellows and hosts: Teatrul Masca, Atelierele Malmaison, Grupul de Inițiativă Civică Cişmigiu, Centrul de Teatru Educațional Replika, and Depoul Victoria. The journey continues! #UrbotecaFellowship2024 #ParticipatoryDiagnostics #CoNECT #Carturesti #jpiconect

On May 19th, our Urboteca Fellowship 2024 teams gathered at RADARTFAIR for an intense and inspiring brainstorming session. Surrounded by contemporary art in the dynamic exhibition space, each team dove deep into their case studies, refining ideas and building on their concepts in a highly collaborative atmosphere. From Ideas to Action This session wasn’t just about discussion; it was about progress. Our fellows worked through the challenges of participatory diagnostics, developing concrete directions for the next phases of their projects. By addressing public interest topics at the scale of neighborhoods and urban communities, the teams are bringing innovative approaches to the table. The productive conversations helped clarify the steps ahead and reinforced the importance of collaboration in transforming urban spaces. RAD ART FAIR provided the perfect backdrop for this exchange of ideas, reminding us of the powerful connection between creativity and urban innovation. What’s Next? With fresh insights and new strategies, our fellows are ready to move forward with their case studies. These projects aim to tackle relevant urban issues and foster meaningful change through participatory urbanism and social mapping. We can’t wait to see how these ideas evolve and shape the communities they focus on. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the progress of our fellows and their commitment to reimagining urban spaces. Together, we’re building stronger, more connected neighborhoods—one idea at a time. #UrbotecaFellowship2024 #Urboteca #ParticipatoryUrbanism #CoNECT #jpiconect

At the end of May, we gathered online for a vibrant Zoom session, bringing together the energy and creativity of our hybrid fellowship program. With the Bookfest event just around the corner, this meeting was a crucial opportunity for our teams to finalize details, refine their approaches, and share insights from their ongoing case studies. Bringing Diverse Perspectives to the Table Each team contributed unique viewpoints and solutions, focusing on the themes their case studies address. Discussions centered on analyzing interviews and questionnaires, synthesizing key ideas, and drawing solid conclusions. We emphasized the value of diverse perspectives, which led to refining interview guides to ensure all dimensions—education, environment, community, and local businesses—were thoughtfully considered. Progress, Challenges, and Key Actors The teams presented their progress, highlighting essential collaborations and addressing challenges encountered along the way. A key highlight was identifying and evaluating the main stakeholders involved in each project. Ensuring that all relevant voices are heard and incorporated into proposed solutions remains a top priority, and this session reinforced our commitment to inclusivity. Innovative Data Collection Methods We also delved into the methods used for data collection, such as mental mapping and participant photography. These tools offered valuable insights into community perceptions and needs, helping us better understand local contexts and tailor strategies to each specific case. These creative methods have become instrumental in uncovering the nuances of urban spaces. Preparing for Bookfest 2024 With Bookfest fast approaching, much of the session was dedicated to planning for the event. Teams worked on structuring their presentations, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and visual impact. Methodologies, key stakeholders, and research outcomes were carefully curated to resonate with the audience and highlight the significance of the fellows’ work. We also explored strategies to engage the public, increase the visibility of our case studies, and showcase the potential of participatory urbanism at both local and national levels. By the end of the session, we had a clear roadmap for presenting our progress and making a lasting impression at Bookfest. Looking Ahead As we gear up for the event, we’re inspired by the collaboration, dedication, and innovation within our fellowship program. Together, we’re building momentum to transform urban spaces and address the challenges faced by communities. Stay tuned for updates from Bookfest and beyond as we continue this exciting journey! #UrbotecaFellowship2024 #Urboteca #ParticipatoryUrbanism #CoNECT #jpiconect

On June 2nd, we gathered at CINETic UNATC to reflect on the presentations and valuable feedback received at Bookfest, which took place on June 1st. This meeting provided an essential opportunity to analyze our progress, integrate suggestions, and plan the next steps for our case studies within the Urboteca Fellowship 2024 program. Success and Insights from Bookfest The Bookfest event was a resounding success, with our teams presenting their innovative projects to an engaged audience of experts and the public. The feedback we received was invaluable, sparking ideas and highlighting areas where we can refine and expand our work. Exploring New Directions Across Case Studies Each team took this opportunity to reassess their strategies and chart their paths forward: Centrul de Teatru Educational Replika: The feedback opened new avenues for strengthening collaboration with schools involved in the research. Additionally, the team identified ways to deepen ties with civic initiatives in the neighborhood, enhancing community cohesion. Atelierele Malmaison: Transforming historic buildings into cultural spaces comes with unique challenges. The team discussed steps to secure heritage status for the site and emphasized the importance of lobbying and advocacy to support both the community and local authorities. Teatrul Masca: Reflecting on ways to attract a diverse audience and build stronger ties with local residents, the team explored ideas like community workshops and urban gardens to make the space more welcoming and accessible. Cismi.Civic: The analysis highlighted the need to navigate tensions between residents and local businesses. The team planned guided tours and focus groups to gather diverse perspectives and develop solutions that foster community cohesion. DepoulVictoria: Transforming the depot into a vibrant community space remains a top priority. Feedback underscored the importance of preserving the site’s historical significance while creating a complementary space that meets the community's current needs. Reevaluating Strategies and Moving Forward Our meeting at CINETic UNATC was crucial for aligning on strategies and solidifying next steps. Armed with fresh insights and renewed motivation, our fellows are committed to implementing their proposed solutions and driving positive change in their communities. As we continue this journey, we’re excited to see how these projects evolve and bring meaningful transformation to urban spaces. Stay tuned for updates as our fellows advance their work and inspire new ways of thinking about participatory urbanism. #UrbotecaFellowship2024 #Urboteca #ParticipatoryUrbanism #CoNECT #jpiconect

Urban mapping is more than just marking locations on a map; it’s about understanding how people interact with their environments and how spaces evolve over time. Recent research by Oana Druta from Eindhoven University of Technology, our consortium colleague, introduces groundbreaking methods that combine observation, mapping, and interviews to deepen our understanding of urban spaces. Here’s a glimpse into these innovative approaches and how they’re shaping the field of urban planning. Observations and Mapping: Uncovering Patterns Through Data Through structured evaluations and techniques like "thick mapping," urban mapping provides nuanced insights into behaviors and spatial use. In participatory workshops, these methods create a collaborative platform for exploring urban dynamics. For instance, in Detroit, evaluative observations paired with data-driven mapping revealed a layered understanding of urban speculators’ impact on the cityscape. This approach moves beyond surface-level observations to unveil hidden patterns in space usage. Creative Interviews: Capturing Stories in Motion Urban mapping also delves into personal narratives, employing creative interviewing techniques to capture memories and emotions tied to specific places. Techniques like "walking interviews" and the use of vignettes bring an intimate dimension to urban studies. A striking example comes from the Netherlands, where interviews conducted during home tours uncovered unique perspectives on renovation experiences and everyday life. These personal insights help bridge the gap between physical spaces and human experiences. Tactical Urbanism in Rotterdam: Real-Time Urban Assessment In Rotterdam, urban mapping techniques were employed to evaluate "tactical urbanism" projects. By observing public spaces, conducting people-counting exercises, and creating behavioral maps, researchers assessed the effectiveness of small-scale urban interventions. These participatory methods highlighted how temporary projects could shape long-term urban development, offering a model for responsive, people-centered planning. Why Urban Mapping Matters Urban mapping isn’t just a research exercise; it’s a tool for better cities. By integrating data, observation, and personal narratives, these methods enable planners, policymakers, and communities to understand and respond to urban challenges more effectively. Whether it’s revitalizing neglected areas, designing public spaces, or addressing housing issues, urban mapping provides the insights needed to create spaces that truly serve their inhabitants. Curious to learn more about these methods? Drop a “contact” in the comments, and we’ll connect you with Oana Druta for further insights into her innovative work.

In the framework of the Science Week, the professors of the Faculty of Humanities Antonio García García, Francisco J. Torres Gutiérrez and Marian Pérez Bernal, members of the project Collective Networks for Everyday Community Resilience and Ecological Transition (CONECT) (PCI 2022- 133014) have organized a round table on the socioecological transition. The roundtable will be held on November 13 at 18 pm at the Casa de la Ciencia. It can also be followed virtually. Gonzalo Acosta, on behalf of Huerto del Rey Moro, Cristina Alba, on behalf of Cotidiana, and Ángel Luis Álvarez, on behalf of Torreblanca Verde, will participate in the activity. The day will reflect on the motivations, actors, achievements and challenges of these initiatives and other experiences analyzed in the CoNECT project.

Coffee with Science is the activity that opened the Science Week at the UPO on November 4 . These are meetings of scientists and scientists with small groups of secondary and high school students and their respective teachers with the aim of sharing experiences and bring the youngest to the research. Each scientist sits down to “have coffee” and chat with groups of students. On Friday, November 8, Marian Pérez Bernal participated in the Café con Ciencia with the talk “Tareas de la Filosofía hoy. From analyzing fake news  to researching about community resilience”, in which I presented the CoNECT project and the activities we are doing in that framework. Café con Ciencia is an initiative of the Descubre Foundation, in collaboration with the main research and dissemination entities in Andalusia. It is part of the activities of the Science Week.