Innovative Projects

From Desolation to Innovation: The Joint Research Centre’s Cutting-Edge Sustainable Building

Join Research Center's new building
The European Commission is building a sustainable, innovative Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Seville, Spain, designed to fully offset its CO2 emissions. Featuring a solar-panel domed roof, the building will transform the La Cartuja area into a vibrant cultural hub. The JRC building joins Seville’s growing collection of sustainable architectural projects, like the Metropol Parasol, contributing to the city’s modernization, carbon reduction, and cultural appeal.
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Sustainable Sports Stadiums: The Future of Sport Venues

stadium
As global awareness of sustainability grows, the sports industry is embracing eco-friendly practices in stadium construction and operations. Sustainable sports stadiums are adopting eco-friendly practices like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Some venues highlight innovations in sustainability, while also serving as community hubs. This shift offers environmental, economic, and social benefits, showcasing a growing commitment to responsibility and innovation in the sport world.
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Pedal Smarter: The Ultimate Guide to Cycling Apps.

houses with canals and bicycles
Cycling has become a popular and sustainable way to stay fit, reduce carbon emissions, and explore new areas. With the rise of technology, cyclists now have access to a variety of apps designed to enhance their experience. This article provides an overview of some of the best cycling apps available, including tools for tracking rides, creating routes, and connecting with other cyclists. These apps cater to cyclists of all levels and preferences, offering everything from performance tracking to route planning and social engagement.
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Ordos “Ghost City”: Navigating the Pitfalls of New City Development

panorama of Ordos city
Imagine a city built from scratch, with grand boulevards, futuristic architecture, and luxury homes—yet eerily empty. This is Ordos, China that began as a bold vision for urban transformation but quickly became a cautionary tale of overambition, speculative development, and the unpredictable forces of market economics. What went wrong? And how has Ordos managed to turn its story around, slowly finding new life amid its vast, empty streets? Writing about Ordos offers a unique lens on the complexities of modern city-building, the pitfalls of rapid urbanization, and the resilience required to reinvent a failed dream.
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Balancing Dreams and Realities: The Hardships of Creating New Cities

new city
Numerous new city projects are currently being implemented across various countries, aiming to become smart cities, sustainable cities, or a combination of both. Building a completely new smart and sustainable city from scratch comes with numerous challenges, ranging from the initial stages of master planning to final execution and long-term operations. The article focuses on challenges which new city projects face.
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Building a Better Mobility Future. Interview with a Participant of the”Bridge for the Cities” Conference

Patrik Würschl

Our expert is Patrik Würschl, program manager and venture scout at Impact Hub Vienna, whose mission is to inspire, connect, and enable entrepreneurs while strengthening the ecosystem around them. He presented one of Impact Hub’s programs, the “Better Mobility Accelerator”,…

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In the Midst of Steel and Glass: The Transformative Power of Modern Urban Green Spaces (Part 2)

Green wall on a modern building
As cities increasingly transform into landscapes dominated by steel and glass, the integration of urban green spaces has emerged as a transformative solution for enhancing quality of life. This two-part article explores how modern green spaces, from vertical gardens to rooftop parks, not only beautify urban environments but also improve mental health, promote biodiversity, and foster community engagement. By examining innovative projects from around the world, we reveal the profound impact these green havens have on urban resilience and sustainability.
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In the Midst of Steel and Glass: The Transformative Power of Modern Urban Green Spaces (Part 1)

Green wall on a modern building
As cities increasingly transform into landscapes dominated by steel and glass, the integration of urban green spaces has emerged as a transformative solution for enhancing quality of life. This two-part article explores how modern green spaces, from vertical gardens to rooftop parks, not only beautify urban environments but also improve mental health, promote biodiversity, and foster community engagement. By examining innovative projects from around the world, we reveal the profound impact these green havens have on urban resilience and sustainability.
Read MoreIn the Midst of Steel and Glass: The Transformative Power of Modern Urban Green Spaces (Part 1)