Living Spaces is a peer-learning programme designed for local and regional authorities to learn how to plan and implement high-quality architectural policies and projects. From July 2023 to November 2024, the programme facilitated exchanges among the EU’s cities, regions, Member States and relevant stakeholders on processes and good practices.
Funded by the creative Europe programme of the European Union, Living Spaces was implemented by Eurocities and the Architects’ Council of Europe.
Living spaces Catalogue
Explore the Living Spaces catalogue with 30 good practices from 17 European countries with information on management, budget and transferable ideas to inspire other cities and regions to implement their own projects.
The catalogue is aimed at local and regional authorities, architecture and urban planning professionals, and anyone interested in quality, sustainable and inclusive built environment.
Living spaces peer-learning visits
Living Spaces organised 12 peer-learning visits based on good practices in European cities and regions. The peer-learning visits were an opportunity to see first-hand how other cities and regions have implemented policies and projects contributing to a high-quality living environment for everyone.
The visits also offered networking opportunities and connect peers, experts and relevant stakeholders from different background and cities/regions.
Living spaces peer-learning reports
The First LivingSpaces Peer-Learning Visit Reports are out!
Citizen participation and urban development in Cáceres
This report is based on a Living Spaces peer-learning visit that took place in Cáceres (Spain) on 20 and 21 March 2024. The visit followed the selection of the process of redevelopment of the Santiago square in Cáceres through an open call for good practices in 2023.
The redevelopment process of the Santiago Square in Cáceres was chosen as one of 30 exemplary practices embodying high-quality architectural principles in Europe, thanks to its participative decision making process. The process exemplifies the values promoted by the New European Bauhaus and aligns with the principles of “Baukultur” as articulated in the Davos Declaration. This approach aims to enhance social cohesion and quality of life by prioritising the human element and integrating comprehensive solutions, such as sustainable resource use, citizen participation, cultural heritage preservation, improved public spaces, and social diversity. This participatory approach fosters a sense of community and connection among residents, contributing to a safer and more resilient society. Cáceres, a historic city with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled city since 1986, includes Santiago Square within its buffer zone under a “Special Protection Plan.” The redevelopment aligns with multiple local and national legal and planning frameworks, including the Spanish Urban Agenda. Several related public and private projects addressing luxury tourism, parking, natural revitalisation, and cultural infrastructure were connected to the redevelopment effort. The project addressed key site improvements, including accessibility, leisure, parking, cultural identity, aesthetic enhancement, safety, and mitigating the heat-island effect in Cáceres. The Official Association of Architects of Extremadura facilitated effective dialogue between city agencies and residents, who actively participated in the discussions. A catalogue of requirements was developed and integrated into an open competition for ideas, with a jury of residents and experts selecting a Spanish architecture office as the winning entry. This collaborative process of discussion and collective visioning represents a redesign of local decisionmaking paths, characterised by transparent and thorough transversal collaboration. The dialogue incorporated related initiatives and principles of heritage conservation, cultural identity, and contemporary design, balancing ideal scenarios with practical, feasible solutions.
Download the report here.
Smart cooperation for urban development : social mix in the Blumengroßmarkt in Berlin
This report is based on a Living Spaces peer-learning visit that took place in Berlin (Germany) between 11 and 13 March 2024. The visit followed the selection of the Blumengrossmarkt development in Berlin through an open call for good practices in 2023.
A wasteland around the Jewish Academy in the former flower market (Blumengrossmarkt) in the centre of Berlin offered the opportunity to transform a socially stigmatised neighbourhood into a more diverse urban area. The transformation followed the ideal of the mixed city facilitating the coexistence of different actors and using a co-creative approach. The redevelopment of the former Blumengrossmarkt is a good example of a cooperation between the public bodies and public interest driven developers to develop a lively, mixed-use area that opens to its surrounding social housing neighbourhood and provides various spaces for multiple uses in high-quality architecture buildings
Download the report here.
Developing the city to foster sustainability and conviviality in Toulouse
This report is based on a Living Spaces peer-learning visit that took place in Toulouse (France) from 10 to 12 April 2024. The visit followed the selection of the Toulouse Booklets through an open call for good practices in 2023.
Toulouse is known for its historical centre and the distinctive architecture of the pink brick buildings. Home to important University faculties and business hubs, vibrant and with a renowned quality of life, Toulouse attracts 5000+ new residents every year. In this context, availability of housing is a prominent challenge, coupled by climate crisis events, such as heatwaves. Architecture and urban planning practices gain importance in this context. State of art mobility solutions and climate infrastructure are being constructed while Toulouse strives to valorise its architectural heritage and to offer living spaces for its residents and their diverse needs. Toulouse has to preserve, support, renew and restructure important parts of the urban environment while remaining consistent towards its strategic objectives. The Urban Planning Department is supported by the political leaders and a very comprehensive legal framework that points to the same directions. Yet, implementing such changes requires hard and soft powers: a solid plan as a basis for negotiations.
Download the report here.
Urban planning for and with women
This report is following a Living Spaces peer-learning visit in Vienna that took place between 15 and 17 May 2024. The visit followed the selection of the process of the gender planning-centred efforts in Vienna through an open call for good practices in 2023.
The Living Spaces visit to Vienna provided a comprehensive view of the city’s approach to urban development, with a particular focus on gender-inclusive design, social housing, and sustainable practices. Over two days, a delegation of representatives from cities, regions, architects and urban planners explored various projects and engaged with local experts to understand the city’s strategies and challenges. Vienna’s commitment to gender-inclusive design was evident in initiatives like Frauen-Werk-Stadt I, where housing was designed with women’s needs at the forefront. By incorporating features that facilitate housework and care work, promote community building, and ensure safety, the city aims to create more equitable living environments for all residents. The city government has a Municipal Department dedicated to Women’s Affairs (responsible for promoting the empowerment of women in the city). Vienna has adopted gender mainstreaming in a number of areas of city administration, but it has had the greatest impact within urban planning. The city’s dedication to social housing, was also a highlight of the visit. Through public subsidies and strategic planning, Vienna has maintained a significant stock of affordable housing, providing secure and accessible accommodation for a large portion of its population. This approach has played a crucial role in creating social cohesion and addressing housing inequality. Central to Vienna’s housing model is the principle of inclusivity, which seeks to create mixed-income neighbourhoods and prevent socioeconomic segregation. One notable aspect is Vienna’s long-standing commitment to public housing, which dates back to the early 20th century with the emergence of ‘Red Vienna’: this historic period (1918-1934) when the Social Democratic Workers’ Party of Austria (SDAP) maintained almost unilateral political control over Vienna saw the implementation of progressive social policies aimed at addressing housing shortages and improving living conditions for working-class residents. The legacy of Red Vienna continues to shape Vienna’s approach to housing, with a focus on providing affordable, high-quality accommodation for all residents
Download the report here.
Brussels’ bouwmeester: maître architecte
This report is following the Living Spaces peer-learning visit in Brussels that took place between 17 and 19 June 2024. The visit focused on the role, instruments and impact of the Bouwmeester Maître Architecte (BMA) (Government Architect or Chief Architect) of the city.
The Living Spaces peer-learning visit in Brussels focused on the role, instruments and impact of the Bouwmeester Maître Architecte (BMA) (Government Architect or Chief Architect) of Brussels. Operating within the Brussels-Capital Region, the mission of the BMA and its team is to promote the quality of urban space, both architecturally and in terms of urban planning and public space design in the Brussels Capital Region, thus driving forward Brussels’ ambitions in urban development. The BMA is an independent position, whereas his team is employed by the regional planning authorities, being responsible for assisting, advising and encouraging public and private clients, using a variety of tools that have been developed since the creation of the role in 2009. The BMA is publicly financed but remains an independent body that does not belong to any particular administration, and it is not tied to any political party. This allows the BMA to work transversely, breaking silos and working both in and outside of the system. In this context, BMA office makes use of four main soft power tools: Design Competitions, Research by Design, Design Review and BMA Label. In addition, the BMA also utilises diverse communication channels to promote, convince and raise awareness about the importance of architecture and urban design quality across and beyond the Brussels-Capital Region
Download the report here.
More reports coming soon! Stay tuned here!
