urbanNext

Two weeks ago, I attended the Smart City Expo World Congress, where I was not only immersed in the latest innovations but also connected with a diverse group of inspiring professionals. Engaging with leaders, thinkers, and doers from across the globe was a truly energizing experience, and it was a privilege to discuss future-focused ideas and solutions that can shape our cities for the better. It was a pleasure discussing with Felix Finkbeiner, Michael Lake, Thaís Fontenelle Siqueira, Oana Taut, Rosa Arias, and many more!  Representing urbanNext was especially meaningful, as we’re deeply committed to disseminating the latest research in building smarter, more sustainable urban environments. These conversations highlighted how impactful our collective efforts can be in shaping resilient, people-centered cities. Big thanks to my colleague Pol Gonzalez, who's efforts contributed to the development of ideas, soon to come to light with urbanNext. Let's keep innovating to make our cities smarter, greener, and more connected! #SmartCityExpo #UrbanNext #Innovation #SustainableCities #SmartCities #Collaboration #SCEWC24

🌆 Discover Omaha’s Reimagined RiverFront 🌆 The RiverFront in downtown Omaha, a visionary transformation by OJB Landscape Architecture , HDR , Gensler, Atelier Ten, and Safdie Architects, has redefined urban green spaces, connecting the city with its stunning riverfront. Spanning 72 acres across Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing, this revitalized area is now a dynamic destination, rich with culture, recreation, and community spirit. Originally underused, these parks have been seamlessly connected and elevated, creating expansive lawns, event pavilions, playgrounds, and interactive art spaces that breathe life into Omaha’s urban core. From an all-seasons skate ribbon to a unique urban beach, each space is designed to foster connection, activity, and exploration for all ages. Enhanced access through pedestrian bridges, crosswalks, and bike lanes ensures safe, inclusive movement between the parks and the surrounding downtown. Thanks to a public-private partnership, this $342 million project became Nebraska's first Envision Platinum project, celebrating sustainable design, environmental stewardship, and community impact. With millions of visitors, a bustling event calendar, and $500 million in surrounding reinvestment, The RiverFront is more than a park; it's Omaha’s new heartbeat. Step into a space where nature, culture, and city life unite.

🎶 Introducing Muziekwerf 🎶 A beacon of heritage and inspiration, Muziekwerf stands as a testament to #Rotterdam's cultural legacy. Originally built as a Mennonite church in 1951, this historic gem has been revitalized by Powerhouse Company under the guidance of Droom en Daad. Today, Muziekwerf seamlessly bridges the past and future, offering an #inspiring #space where young #musicians can nurture their craft. Powerhouse Company embraced the building's #heritage, preserving iconic elements like the 1954 Flentrop organ and the original #concrete cassette ceiling, now the heart of a redesigned music hall. Every detail has been thoughtfully transformed to create an inviting, sustainable space, from repurposed pews in the foyer to slate floor tiles and restored Bakelite fixtures. The redesign includes custom acoustics for every room, underfloor heating for uninterrupted views, and radiant panels to showcase the original concrete trusses. Natural light, soft color palettes, and the blend of concrete and wood textures invite an atmosphere of warmth and creativity. The new reflective entrance structure echoes the water nearby, opening up this once-hidden sanctuary to the city, linking Muziekwerf to Rotterdam’s #urban heartbeat.

🌟 Introducing The Hub by 100architects – Egypt's North Coast Playground of Creativity 🌟 Set within the heart of Marassi, The Hub redefines the concept of entertainment and social spaces. Designed by the innovative minds at 100architects for Emaar Misr, this 60,000 m² destination is a vibrant mix of art and functionality, captivating visitors with bold colors, dynamic forms, and immersive experiences. At its core is the “Big Bang” concept, a visual explosion symbolizing life, youth, and energy, brought to life through striking colors, lighting, and magnetic pathways that guide and engage. With zones that encourage expression, including event spaces, playgrounds, and Kids Town, The Hub fosters spontaneous social interaction and a lively community spirit. From an open-air cinema and go-kart track to pop-up markets and retail outlets, *The Hub* offers a dynamic blend of experiences. Phase 2 is set for June 2025, expanding the fun and community connection even further.

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🏞️ Espina: A Pavilion that Frames the Horizon 🌅 Architects: Emiliano Domínguez + Santiago Martínez 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d7nNa_7k 📍 Santiago de Querétaro, #Mexico Espina is a #minimalist pavilion designed to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings while offering an unobstructed 360-degree view of the breathtaking mountain landscape. Situated atop a hill on a cattle ranch, this lightweight structure serves as a place of refuge, providing shade and panoramic vistas, with a built area of just 21 sqm. 🌿 Structural Harmony in Design The pavilion features a concrete base and metal frame, forming a cantilever that extends toward the western horizon. Gabion masses, filled with local stones extracted during the foundation work, serve as counterweights, anchored by tension cables. This contrast between materials highlights the structural precision of each element, creating a visual and functional balance. 🚧 Contextual Construction Due to the site’s remote geography, accessible only by horse or 4x4 vehicle, the decision was made to cast the concrete on-site. Steel was used for its ease of assembly, while the local stone for gabions tied the project to the natural landscape. Over time, this structure will become enveloped by the surrounding vegetation, further embedding it within the environment. 🌅 Capturing Sunrise and Sunset With a #design that extends from north to south, Espina is strategically positioned to capture both the sunrise and sunset, connecting users to the rhythm of nature. Floating between two concrete bases, the pavilion rises above the land, offering a peaceful space for reflection, free from a predefined program.

🏞️ Escadinhas Footpaths: Revitalizing Matosinhos' Hidden Urban Spaces 🌿 Architect: Paulo Moreira Architectures, with Verkron 📍 Monte Xisto, Matosinhos https://lnkd.in/ddZ45ZAW The Escadinhas Footpaths project showcases how low-budget urban interventions can breathe new life into neglected spaces. Situated in the hilly neighborhood of Monte Xisto, this network of pedestrian footpaths links the community to the serene banks of the River Leça. By blending architecture, art, and nature, the project highlights the potential of small-scale efforts to create meaningful social and environmental impact. 👷 Restoring Urban Connections A multidisciplinary team of architects, local builders, and artists rehabilitated the iconic Rua das Escadinhas steps, an unusual urban feature that connects the upper and lower levels of Monte Xisto. The steps were repaired, and a new boundary designed as benches offers a place for rest, further encouraging pedestrian use. Further along, an old ruin was rebuilt into a peaceful seating area, reconnecting the site to its natural surroundings and inviting residents to engage with their environment. 💡 Small-Scale, Big Impact Supported by the Bairros Saudáveis initiative, Escadinhas Footpaths demonstrates the power of thoughtful, low-cost urban revitalization. These interventions have transformed forgotten corners of the city into communal gathering spaces, restoring the area’s original charm while enhancing its accessibility. This project, promoted by INSTITUTO and supported by InResidence/Ágora, proves that even modest urban improvements can create lasting value for both residents and the environment. 🌳

🌍 Mitigating Climate Change in Public Spaces: Insights from Barcelona 🌱 Albert Gassull, Director of Public Space Services at Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), is taking on one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change. In AMB’s latest publication, Public Space in Metropolitan Barcelona (Actar Publishers, 2023), Gassull discusses the crucial role public spaces play in reducing environmental impact. He emphasizes that the #construction #industry alone contributes up to 40% of global greenhouse emissions, underscoring the need for change.

🚉 Gare Maritime: From Historic Station to Sustainable City District 🌿 Once Europe’s largest railway station for goods, Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis, Brussels, has been transformed into a stunning covered city. Designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects, this revitalized space blends work, shopping, and relaxation – all under the impressive steel roofs of a city that "never rains." 🌧️ 🌱 Public Spaces Reimagined With its spacious boulevards, gardens, and squares, Gare Maritime mirrors the structure of a true city. 12 new pavilions were added to bring life to the old station, with public gardens, green walking boulevards, and inner gardens featuring 100 trees. Art installations, including mosaics by visual artist Henri Jacobs, add to the charm. 🌲 Europe’s Largest Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Project Sustainability is at the core of Gare Maritime. The pavilions were built using CLT, drastically reducing cement usage and construction time. ⚡ Energy Neutral & Fossil Free From solar panels covering 17,000m² of roof space to geothermal energy and rainwater reuse, this project sets a new standard for sustainability. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d5hSbmHg #SustainableArchitecture #GareMaritime #UrbanRevitalization #GreenCities #CLT #RenewableEnergy #Brussels

Renewable energies are no longer just alternatives. So, what are renewable energies? 💡 They come from endless sources that regenerate naturally, differing from 'green' low-impact renewables, 'sustainable energies' feasible long-term and 'alternative' high-cost emerging energies. Types of renewable energies: ☀️Solar energy 🌬️Wind energy 💧Hydropower 🌋Geothermal energy 🌊Wave energy 🌱Biomass and biofuel energy 📝 Key milestones include wind power grid parity in the US (2000), Europe (2010), and China (2019), and solar power grid parity in 2014, demonstrating that renewable energies are critical for a sustainable, decarbonized future. Read more: https://loom.ly/yx3vzvs