Bram Vandenboom

STRONG BOOST FOR RESEARCH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 🌍 I’m happy to share that the Villum Foundation will support a major new research initiative; Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment (CEBE). Led by Aalborg University, Aarhus University, DTU - Technical University of Denmark and Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark, the initiative aims to rethink how we build, maintain and reuse our infrastructure spanning everything from buildings to roads and bridges. The Villum Foundation intends to support the collaboration with 1 billion DKK over the next 10 years. With CEBE, we aim to accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable built environment through new scientific knowledge, materials, methods and education. It’s inspiring to see leading technical universities in Denmark, along with key European institutions, unite in a shared effort to lead the way. The Villum Foundations’s philanthropic work is made possible by the building industry. That’s why it feels especially meaningful to support research that can help transform the sector toward a more sustainable future. 👉 Read more about the programme here: https://lnkd.in/d46HeVTF Per Michael Johansen, Brian Bech Nielsen, Anders Overgaard Bjarklev, Jens Ringsmose Alice Moncaster, Leonardo Todisco, Mads Søndergaard , Walter Kaufmann (ETH), Villum Fonden, Lars Bo Nielsen, Thomas Bjørnholm, Mira Arpe Bendevis, #CEBE #GreenTransition #SustainableConstruction #ResearchMatters #BuiltEnvironment 

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Mobility hubs offer multiple shared transport options in one convenient location. They are an important part of the mobility transition, providing an attractive alternative to the car. Melissa Bruntlett explains this concept in her latest video with EIT Urban Mobility - Urban Mobility Explained (UMX). 📸 EIT Urban Mobility Royal HaskoningDHV

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How are European cities revitalising urban spaces with green solutions? 🌱🏙️ 🔄 Ghent (BE): The city's Urban Renewal Programme is shifting towards long-term, integrated solutions, balancing social, economic, and environmental factors, to create sustainable, inclusive communities for the future: https://bit.ly/4l67Aqr 🌳 Düsseldorf (DE): In Garath, a community-led regeneration plan is enhancing green spaces and social inclusion. Insights from this initiative now shape the city’s Integrated Neighbourhood Development strategy towards sustainable urban growth: https://bit.ly/3FJ4pVv 🌾 Brussels (BE): The Canal Open Space Plan is regenerating a 14-km industrial corridor into a vibrant, mixed-use urban hub. By prioritising social equity and ecological restoration, it revitalises open spaces, reconnects communities, and boosts sustainability: https://bit.ly/3DWvaW5 🌿 Rouen (FR): A former racecourse is becoming a 28-hectare urban green space! With urban farms, local markets, and community-led design, it fosters sustainability, leisure, and biodiversity: https://bit.ly/3DL8wjc 🚴‍♂️ Fót (HU): An abandoned lake area is now a vibrant green space with adventure parks, cycling trails, and youth hubs. By restoring a neglected urban ecosystem, the project strengthens community ties and reconnects people with nature: https://bit.ly/42nXgmk 🏡 Ostrów Wielkopolski (PL): A revitalised city centre with green spaces, pedestrian zones, and recreational spots for all ages. Through the Participatory Revitalisation Budget, residents drive urban renewal, using city funds to shape projects and reclaim public spaces for all: https://bit.ly/4j6JmKZ 🛹 Igualada (ES): Where nature meets urban innovation! Home to Europe’s largest skatepark, a bio-lake, and groundwater repurposing, the Parc Central project boosts biodiversity, recreation, and climate resilience: https://bit.ly/4hRylMu 🛝 Trnava (SK): A once-forgotten housing estate yard is now a vibrant community space! With green areas, playgrounds, and a bioactive pond, it boosts eco-stability, while better lighting and safer pathways welcome all generations: https://bit.ly/4j9FPM5 🏙️ Flöha (DE): From a former industrial estate into a lively urban hub. The project brings together infrastructure renewal, investor interest, and public involvement, turning historic factories into housing, public spaces, and a new market square: https://bit.ly/427p3X3 Explore these and more URBACT #GoodPractices 👉 bit.ly/3Y2ivHN Stad Gent, Stadt Düsseldorf, Ville de Bruxelles - Stad Brussel, Ville de Rouen, Ajuntament d'Igualada 

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Urban Mobility Days 2025 🚉 Urban Nodes boosting an efficient European Transport Network 📅 30 September | 13:45 – 15:00 Most journeys on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) start and end in cities. Urban nodes are where passenger flows, freight, and multiple transport modes converge. Their efficiency is key to the success of the TEN-T and to Europe’s ambition for cleaner, more connected mobility. This session will bring together cities, regions, and European stakeholders to discuss: 🔹 How urban nodes are preparing to meet the new TEN-T requirements 🔹 What kinds of governance and cooperation mechanisms already exist across Europe 🔹 The challenges and opportunities of delivering multimodality and clean transport beyond administrative borders Join the debate and explore how cooperation across functional urban areas can make Europe’s transport network more resilient, efficient, and sustainable. 👉 Don’t miss it on 30 September, 13:45 – 15:00! #UMD25 #UrbanNodes #Transport #TENT #SustainableMobility #Multimodality #EGUM #EUtransport Isabelle Vandoorne Robert Szucs Karen Vancluysen POLIS network

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𝐈𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲?   With more than €50 trillion in global economic activity moderately to highly dependent on nature, protecting biodiversity is no longer optional—it's a strategic necessity. Sweco’s latest Urban Insight report reveals that while 82% of companies recognise that their actions have a significant impact on nature, only 16% believe that biodiversity is directly linked to their financial performance— indicating a potential blind spot in risk management. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐩?    To avoid overlooking the financial risks associated with biodiversity loss, our experts outline key actions to future-proof businesses against these risks. Integrating biodiversity into core operations not only mitigates risk but also opens the door to new growth opportunities. 👉 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/dhRtWbvJ #Biodiversity #UrbanInsight #SwecoGroup #NaturePositive

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A hidden gem for a happy Sunday! "The Happy Public Spaces: A Guide with 20 Ingredients to Design for Urban Happiness" by sahar samavati and pieter desmet is definitely worth reading! This comprehensive guide addresses a common problem in urban planning - the lack of coherent understanding of how design principles can be combined with urban space elements to influence happiness. Too often, public spaces are planned without explicit consideration of citizen wellbeing. The 20 ingredients span physical, social and organisational qualities including: Connectivity, Accessibility and Mobility Mixed Land Use Friendly Urban Furniture Public Art Green Infrastructure Interactive Design Compatibility with User Needs Environmental Comfort Visual Aesthetic Qualities Multisensory Richness Inclusivity and Diversity of Users and Activities Leisure and Recreational Spaces Events and Festivals Social Interaction Promotion Safety and Security Place Identity and Memorability Grassroots Project Stimulation Trust and Participation Sense of Place Adaptability and Flexibility Each ingredient comes with practical measurement tips, from GIS analysis to satisfaction surveys and observational studies, evaluating design decisions. For urban professionals, this framework offers immediate practical value. Planners can use "Green Infrastructure" and "Friendly Urban Furniture" to promote relaxation in park designs, whilst incorporating "Interactive Design" for playful exploration elements. Policymakers can implement requirements for "Mixed Land Use" in new developments to enhance vibrancy and quality of life perception. The guide's structured approach - with clear descriptions, reference materials, and actionable measurement strategies - makes it an valuable tool for evidence-based urban design that prioritises citizen happiness and community wellbeing. #UrbanPlanning #PublicSpaces #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #UrbanHappiness #PlaceDesign #HealthyCities #CommunityDesign #UrbanWellbeing #SustainableCities #HapptPublicSpaces

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