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20 pages, 10013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Security-by-Design into Sustainable Urban Planning for Safer, More Accessible, and Livable Public Spaces

by Serena Orlandi, Danila Longo and Beatrice Turillazzi

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167186 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 342

This paper investigates how security-by-design principles can be integrated into urban planning to achieve a balance between protective measures and the openness, accessibility, and aesthetic quality of public spaces. Addressing a current gap in urban design practice, we introduce a new evaluative framework—the SAFE-CITIES “Atlas 4 Safe Public Spaces”—that embeds European policy guidelines, CPTED concepts, and New European Bauhaus values into an integrated security-by-design assessing tool. Drawing on the Horizon Europe SAFE-CITIES project (Grant Agreement No. 101073945), the research combines theoretical insights from EU policy documents and design principles with a comparative analysis of two case studies (Barcelona and Copenhagen) to inform practical strategies for integrating safety considerations into the design process. This approach identifies key operational principles that illustrate how safety measures—if considered from the early-stage planning—can be integrated without compromising openness and livability of public, illustrating how early-stage planning can incorporate security measures while sustaining social interaction and community life. Overall, the findings show that safety can be built into public space design from the outset, reinforcing community engagement and resilience, and the proposed Atlas framework offers planners a concrete tool to align security objectives with on-the-ground urban design practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

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32 pages, 53844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Quality of Architectural Heritage Reuse Projects Using a Well-Being and NEB Approach: The Case Study of IPIM in Turin (Italy)

by Daniele Dabbene, Carla Bartolozzi and Cristina Coscia

Heritage 2024, 7(6), 2834-2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7060134 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2472

Abstract

International conservation approaches recognise architectural heritage as crucial in promoting sustainable development and enhancing human well-being. This has been highlighted by the recent New European Bauhaus (NEB) movement. As for the reuse of architectural heritage, this debate has led to the formulation of new guidelines that aim to maximise the tangible and intangible values of the assets from a long-term and circular economy perspective. In turning theory into operational practice, it is essential to reuse heritage structures while keeping these principles in mind and remaining within the boundaries of conservation objectives. To achieve this, evaluation tools that can aid in the decision-making process need to be identified. This research presents a novel model of indicators that can monitor and evaluate the quality of architectural heritage reuse projects, proposing a perspective that considers both the concept of well-being and the NEB principles. The proposed model is tested on Turin’s IPIM (Provincial Institute for Childhood and Maternity). This structure has been transformed from an uncomfortable heritage into a cultural centre for contemporary art called Flashback Habitat. The case study tests the model’s practical applicability and demonstrates its effectiveness in identifying the most challenging principles to apply in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings)

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28 pages, 53716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the New European Bauhaus in Urban Plans by Land Use Occurrence Indicators: A Case Study in Rijeka, Croatia

by Bojan Bilić and Krunoslav Šmit

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041058 - 10 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

The aim of the research is to provide a numerical evaluation of the occurrence of New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles in urban plans, using four key indicators: GI (green infrastructure), POS (public open space), PSN (public and social needs), and UR (urban reconstruction). The initial step in the research involves determining numerical quantitative indicators with target reference values, which are then used as a measure of compliance with the vision of the NEB. Indicators are modeled based on elements embedded in urban plans and implemented in a framework for evaluating these plans. Through the analysis of collected data, a comparison is made with the set goals and values of the NEB, thus enabling the assignment of ratings for occurrence and identification of areas where improvements are needed. The research results for Rijeka point to the need for planning new green areas, maintaining and developing street networks, and increasing pedestrian and park areas. Additionally, there is a suggested need to increase content to meet public and social needs and expand areas planned for urban reconstruction. The research results emphasize the importance of monitoring and adjusting urban plans to the NEB platform to achieve sustainable and balanced urban development goals, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in the quality of urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New European Bauhaus (NEB) in Architecture, Construction and Urbanism)

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20 pages, 2493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healing Architecture in Mental Health Facilities in the New European Bauhaus Context

by Joanna Jablonska and Jozefina Furmanczyk

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041056 - 10 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8757

Abstract

The processes of health building design issues overlap, like the complexity of architecture, technology, and protection of human well-being. It becomes necessary to use a holistic and empathized approach. They meet the concept of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) in terms of attention to the aspects of comprehensive design with a focus on humans and their environment. The investigation focused on psychiatric hospitals with an ever-growing demand for treatment places. Accordingly, this article shows the healing architecture’s examination and the environment in healthcare facilities. The POE method was used by investigating the examples. Research contained the technical, functional, spatial, and behavioral qualities of existing psychiatric hospitals. By presenting elements that positively affect the well-being of users, we indicate good practices that bring psycho-physical benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New European Bauhaus (NEB) in Architecture, Construction and Urbanism)

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19 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

District Energy Viewed from the New Bauhaus Initiative Perspective—Sustainable, Inclusive and Aesthetic Heat

by Kristina Lygnerud, Nathalie Fransson, Mirjam Särnbratt, Emilia Motoasca, Thomas Neven, Janka Vanschoenwinkel, Carolina Pastor, Andrea Gabaldón and Alberto Belda

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122930 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

(1) Background: To support the energy transition in Europe, the EU has launched multiple initiatives. Supporting the “Green Deal” is the New European Bauhaus (NEB). District heating and cooling (DHC) is an important part of a decarbonized European energy system, and its role in the transition has been stressed by the EU. In this paper, DHC is, for the first time, reviewed assuming the NEB principles. (2) Method: a literature review combined with a review of three cases was used for collecting data. (3) Results: It is confirmed that DHC has strong sustainability values. It is also identified that DHC can become increasingly inclusive by adopting updated digital platforms and new technologies for heat recovery that necessitate close customer interaction whilst recovering waste heat. The least exploited principle is aesthetics. It could sharpen city planning by combining energy system and energy efficiency perspectives, increase the practice of multifunctional buildings (for example energy provision and recreation), and foster a closer interplay between architecture and energy. (4) Conclusions: for both innovating and expanding DHC, the NEB principles can serve as catalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New European Bauhaus (NEB) in Architecture, Construction and Urbanism)

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16 pages, 2012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New European Bauhaus for a Circular Economy and Waste Management: The Lived Experience of a Community Container Garden at the University of Turin

by Daniel Torchia, Jacopo Fresta, Laura Corazza and Chiara Certomà

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15020914 - 4 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3744

Abstract

This study discusses the case of a 200 m² container garden set up in a polluted and neglected area of the School of Management and Economics of the University of Turin. ‘L’Orto della SME’ is self-managed, and it has become a hub for a variety of stakeholders, within and outside the university. The project is part of the framework Proposal for Citizen Engagement, promoted by EIT Food Cross-KIC, which contributes to the New European Bauhaus (NEB). The paper looks at how such projects contribute to create social cohesion around sustainability issues of circularity and waste management. The case presents several autoethnographic elements, like tales and stakeholders’ voices, stemming from the direct involvement of the authors in developing the project. The article presents how a stakeholder network was created and how internal and external stakeholders were involved in co-creation activities, such as (multi-stakeholder) workshops and focus groups. Our findings show that NEB principles can be effectively applied to initiatives like the container garden to tackle issues of social inclusion, equality and sustainable production and consumption. This is further emphasized by the empowerment and agency gained by diverse stakeholders to approach sustainability matters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Waste Management towards a Circular Economy Transition)

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