Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space

The increased demand for housing and thus land can conflict with the need to preserve and restore nature and biodiversity in our neighbourhoods. Rethinking the way we use existing buildings and applying a smart and efficient use of space is thus crucial to limit urban sprawl.

There is therefore a need to develop solutions that make use of the under-used and un-used vertical space above our streets and buildings. Urban vertical farming, community gardens on rooftops, vertical extensions and other alternative multifunctional structures making use of these spaces might be suitable solutions to high-quality, sustainable[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] and affordable housing and green spaces while limiting land use. However, if not carefully planned and integrated, these solutions might face challenges such as social acceptance, regulatory barriers, and hold risks of excessive densification, neighbourhoods profound alteration as well as environmental risks.

Proposals are expected to address all of the following:

• Develop and demonstrate at least one innovative solution that makes use of the un-used or under-used vertical space above buildings and/or streets in a beautiful[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] and sustainable manner to improve the availability and affordability of housing and / or provide more green spaces.
• Integrate circularity principles[[See definition of ‘Circular economy’ in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] to the solution(s) developed.
• Assess the life cycle environmental social and economic impacts of the proposed solution(s) with appropriate methods.
• If relevant, minimize and mitigate the negative effects of densification.
• Assess the potential for the proposed solutions to contribute to a reduction in demand for land use.
• Identify and address the regulatory, technical and societal barriers to the implementation of the proposed solution(s) and propose solutions to overcome them.

Proposals are expected to follow a participatory[[See definition of “participatory process” in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] and transdisciplinary approach[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] through the integration of different actors and disciplines and to involve the local community[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] and, if relevant, cultural and creative industries, in the co-creation[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] of the solution(s) developed. Proposals are expected – to the extent possible – to contribute to the urban greening goals set out in the Nature Restoration Regulation.

In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation[[International cooperation and participation of countries beyond EU Member States, associated countries, or third countries under the Horizon Europe programme.]] is encouraged.

This topic requires the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities (SSH)[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

Proposals are expected to allocate at least 0.8% of their budget for engaging with the Horizon Europe-funded 'New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact' to share their intermediate and final results, findings and learning, as well as to contribute to impact assessment.