Digitally enabled social district renovation processes for age-friendly environments driving social innovation and local economic development

Project Information

drOp

Grant agreement ID: 101080025

DOI

10.3030/101080025

Project closed

EC signature date 1 August 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 2 507 255,00

EU contribution

€ 2 486 150,00

Coordinated by

AYUNTAMIENTO DE ERMUA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - drOp (Digitally enabled social district renovation processes for age-friendly environments driving social innovation and local economic development)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The drOp project aims to transform social housing districts into inclusive smart neighbourhoods by focusing on constructive, energetic, and digital updates. It seeks to enhance urban spaces, social engagement, and residents' quality of life. The Integrated Renovation Methodology (IRM) developed, addresses socio-economic factors, guiding stakeholders in effective neighborhood transformation. Developed through co-governance and co-creation, the IRM aligns with New European Bauhaus principles, offering replication potential.
The IRM will be validated with a demo case in the Santa Ana district in Ermua, Spain, based on users' needs and enriched by peer learning. Ermua will collaborate with Elva, Estonia (which contributes its digital advancement) and Matera, Italy (which offers expertise in cultural and creative industries). These cities' insights will refine the IRM and inform the Replication Roadmap.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The principal scientific and technical achievements of drOp in the first half of the project, as well as the associated main activities (MA), are as follows:


SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS:

*Conceptual development of the Integrated Renovation Methodology (IRM) for social housing Neighbourhood’s Renovation.

MA:

-Establishment of the process to follow for the design of the IRM.

-Definition of the 3 stages of the IRM: Strategic level, design level & implementation level.


*Diagnosis and baseline of Santa Ana Neighbourhood in Ermua.

MA:

-Internal diagnosis of the neighbourhood by project technicians.

-Open workshop with neighbours, experts, and local stakeholders to discuss and envision different scenarios for Santa Ana neighbourhood.


*Conceptual definition of the local economic development strategic plan for a smart neighbourhood.

MA:

-Development of concrete guidelines for the Strategis stage of the IRM concerning economic development.


*Peer learning process definition.

MA:

-Conceptual definition and application of the peer learning process


*Analysis of Social Housing social housing contexts and replication potential in Europe.

MA:

-Development and release of an analytical study on social housing contexts and replication potential across Europe.



TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

*Implementation in the demo case in Santa Ana neighbourhood of Ermua

MA:

-Co-definition with the neighbours of possible projects to be implemented in Santa Ana

-Organization of activities with neighbours and local stakeholders


*Communication and Dissemination of the project

MA:

-Development of physical and online communication material

-Participation in or organization of national and international events and conferences to disseminate the project results


*Peer learning development

MA:

-Field visits to project cities

-Online workshops and monthly meetings between all the partners

-Early implementation of the IRM in Elva and Matera based on exchanged learnt experiences from Ermua.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The drOp project, aimed at revitalizing social housing districts, has achieved significant results at its midpoint.
First, the Integrated Renovation Methodology has proven efficient in achieving core objectives. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, this methodology adapts to each neighbourhood's unique context, considering local socio-economic factors, cultural nuances, and existing infrastructure. It holds potential for replication across Europe.
Second, the peer learning process has been an effective tool for knowledge exchange. Practical experiences from Ermua, Elva, and Matera have enriched both methodology and implementation. The project has engaged diverse stakeholders, including urban planners, policymakers, architects, and local experts, creating a multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance economic and social development. This process provides valuable insights for other European cities seeking to leverage cross-city expertise.
Third, the innovative co-governance and co-creation methodology in Santa Ana has yielded unprecedented local outcomes. Early resident involvement in decision-making and renovation processes has led to a transformative shift in public engagement and local empowerment. This participatory model offers promising insights for enhancing public engagement practices across Europe.
Last, the extensive analytical work conducted in Santa Ana over the past 18 months surpasses previous neighbourhood assessments in comprehensiveness, diversity, and innovation. This analysis equips the municipality with a deeper understanding of the locality, enabling informed decision-making and more effective interventions.

drOp's logo

Workshop with Santa Ana neighbours

Integrated Renovation Methodology