Urban Transformation

Knowledge provider in civic and stakeholder engagement and communication. we accompany Project partners within their technical work in activities from awareness raising to co-design

Saverio Massario / Rooted in placemaking, self-construction, and civic design, EA made a shift in 2021 launching Circular Living within the Italian Pavilion event program at the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale. The project explores waste as commons and a cultural asset through seminars, workshops, open calls and book. In 2025, we scaled this vision by launching the Abitare Circolare School (ACS)—a dedicated spin-off providing theoretical and practical training in circular economy and ecodesign. Through ACS, we empower citizens, professionals, and artisans to master DIY biomaterials, upcycling, and circular design principles. Our expertise lies in transforming linear waste streams into community-led urban installations.

João Archer Pratas / Our work focuses primarily on urban food systems, approaching circularity in cities through a holistic lens. We address all stages of the food system — from agricultural inputs and local production to processing, consumption, waste management, and resource valorization.

Circular design is embedded throughout these phases, aiming to close nutrient loops, reduce waste, and improve resilience. In addition, our work often intersects with broader areas such as climate change, urban policy, land access, and public health, recognizing food systems as a key entry point for systemic urban transformation.

Through its Advanced Architecture Lab, IAAC advances decarbonization and circularity in architecture by exploring the convergence of digital technologies with AI, digital fabrication, bio-

integrated design, and circular material systems.

It’s linked with CiD that addresses skills and knowledge gaps in architecture, urban design, and product design by linking design to circularity and urban transformation

Circular Pirkanmaa, or KIPI, is a regional, publicly funded development centre for circular economy founded in 2023 and operated by Ekokumppanit Oy. We assist municipalities and businesses in taking successful steps towards sustainable circular economy. Their services focus on housebuilding, road and street construction, earthworks, and industrial material flows. These elements encompass the greatest economic and environmental benefits for circular economy solutions.

The experience on the subject stems from the coordination of the Take a STEP! and CARPINO projects, developed for and implemented in the Carpaneda area. The extension of La Piccionaia is both local (management of theatres, programming, territorial projects), national (touring of theatre productions, projects) and international (participation in networks, European projects).

The Phd research focuses on how the circular economy (CE) can contribute to managing peri-urban landscapes and treating land as a limited resource. I aim to discover which land management metrics we are missing to introduce the CE in that area, as well as what spatial recommendations arise from landscape analysis and stakeholder perspectives. Poland is on the brink of entering the CE transition – there are some initial incentives and projects taking place, so it is worth observing how the transition will be implemented.