Consortium

UniPV is a premier university, with roots dating back to 1361. With a diverse range of disciplines, including Science and Technology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences, UniPV is home to over 21,000 students and 900 professors. UniPV is a global player, with over 400 international agreements and a wealth of experience in European projects like Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020. The university excels in research, with 7 research centers in Pavia and 21 in collaboration with other institutions, as well as 42 interdepartmental research centers. UniPV is a research-intensive university, particularly strong in Architecture and Civil Engineering, ranked among the top 150-200 universities in the world.

The BA and MSc in Building Engineering/Architecture program is a unique and highly respected course, recognized by the EU in 1998 as an integrated professional curriculum. With a double master’s degree partnership with Tongji University and a strong internationalization profile, this program is consistently ranked in the top 3 in Italy.

The University of Malaga (UMA) is a premier institution of higher education in Spain with a world ranking of 424 [2021]. With 2 campuses, 35,700 students, 2,500 professors, and 23 faculties, UMA is a leader in research with 309 research groups and projects. The university fosters international exchange with 945 universities and is part of 100 networks and associations. UMA prioritizes educational innovation and research by supporting its professors and research groups through international projects. Additionally, the university has a career center that helps students and young researchers find employment. UMA meets quality standards such as EFQM 200, EFQM 300, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. It is also part of the “Andalucia Tech” Campus of Excellence.

The Official Board of Architects of Malaga (COA Malaga), the municipal Observatory of the Urban Environment (OMAU), Fundación los comunes and the co-housing design cooperative Cotidiana are the regional associate partners of this project.

The Higher Technical School of Architecture (eAM) was founded in 2005 near the historic city center and is dedicated to teaching and research activities related to the city. With over 500 students, the school offers graduate and master programs and hosts the research group HUM-969 UTOPIA, which focuses on urban regeneration, smart city, and urban architectural innovation. The group conducts research on the rehabilitation of collective housing and the definition of urban transformations, with a goal of better understanding the effects and opportunities of commoning in urban design and promoting cultural identity.

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is a leading state university in Turkey, founded in 1773, with 99 undergraduate and 184 graduate degree programs and 39,000 students. ITU is strong in architectural and engineering education and conducts research in fields of engineering, arts, architecture, and social sciences. ITU is involved in EU-funded research with 21 projects from the 6th Framework Programme, 47 from the 7th Framework, and 23 from Horizon 2020. ITU has 360 labs and 26 research centres and is a member of international networks such as European Association for International Education and European University Association. ITU has 140 international partnerships and 350 Erasmus agreements. With its focus on innovation and economic growth, ITU aims to create a new generation of technology and bring about positive change for society.

The ITU Faculty of Architecture Architectural Design is renowned for its contribution to the field of architectural design, theory, and criticism since 1978. With 30 active academic staff and over 300 post-graduate students, the program is dedicated to educating future researchers and academics. The program has Erasmus+ agreements with 41 universities in 14 European countries and has extensive experience in curriculum development. The program has also been involved in numerous EU projects, international conferences, and workshops.

TU Delft is the largest and oldest technical university in the Netherlands, known for its education and research in science, technology, and design. With 8 faculties, over 6,000 employees, and over 27,000 students, the university consistently scores high in international rankings and is recognized for its quality research, education, and impact. TU Delft prioritizes collaboration and works with numerous institutions, governments, and companies to address major societal challenges. The university has a diverse and inclusive community that focuses on developing technologies for future generations with a strong emphasis on energy, climate, mobility, health, and digital society. TU Delft aims to provide a breeding ground for technological innovation and positive global impact.

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment is a renowned leader in education and research, offering a unique blend of creativity and robust research. With over 4,000 students and staff, the faculty has a strong focus on design-oriented research and has earned a top position in world rankings. Covering a wide range of disciplines, from architectural design to geo-information science, the faculty works closely with other universities, private parties, and the public sector, both locally and internationally. With 40 chairs and a wide range of programs, the faculty has a long-standing tradition of bridging teaching and research and holds hundreds of events annually, including lectures, symposia, and exhibitions, which are open to the public.

SpazioGioco is a non-profit playroom that was created in Pavia, Italy, to meet the needs of families in the community. The initiative was started by parents and grew into a network of associations, professionals, and institutions. The University of Pavia and Universitiamo were among the supporters, and SpazioGioco was also a case study in a design course. The playroom offers free play, symbolic play, and creative activities, and is open to all children in the city. Through its community-focused approach, SpazioGioco promotes responsibility and social protection. The playroom is open at different times of the day and is free to use, thanks to crowdfunding. The focus on local needs helps to foster collaboration among different stakeholders in the city.

The Zero Discrimination Association (ZDA) is a Roma activist and volunteer-founded organization in Turkey, established in 2009 with the goal of empowering Roma people and other marginalized groups to tackle economic, social, and cultural discrimination. The association prioritizes reaching women and youth, working with civil society organizations and public institutions, and implementing projects that support employment and build the capacities of Roma civil society organizations. ZDA engages in advocacy, lobbying, and rights-based support for Roma communities, and has established community centers in several cities to support community life. In recent years, ZDA has monitored national and international Roma strategies, provided capacity building support to civil society organizations, and carried out activities to address the issues faced by Roma groups.