As part of the ongoing REVIVE project, a transnational online capacity-building seminar was held to address specific needs and challenges in historic town revitalization. This seminar, designed to promote innovative approaches and good practices, focused on community engagement, sustainable architecture, and the principles of the New European Bauhaus.

The seminar, held online on May 8 from 1:30 to 4 PM CEST, drew over 200 registrants, including young talents, cultural heritage experts, architects, local development professionals, and spatial planners from various countries. The topic, “How might we revive historic towns through interventions in public spaces?” encouraged participants to explore successful strategies and case studies, fostering collaboration and inspiring actionable ideas that can be adapted across Europe.

Attendees were first introduced to the REVIVE project’s mission and current stage. Mr. Matevž Čelik Vidmar from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia emphasized the importance of inclusivity in ensuring the sustainability of revitalization projects.

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Kristian Krog from Maltfabrikken led a thought-provoking session on placemaking methods, encouraging participants to rethink the role of public spaces in historic contexts. 

Enrique Mínguez Martínez, an architect and professor at UCAM, inspired attendees with his discussion on interventions in public spaces as opportunities for local communities. 

Aleksander Ostan, assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, offered valuable insights into open spaces and sustainable architecture in protected heritage areas, drawing examples from Slovenia. His presentation illuminated the potential of sustainable design practices in preserving and revitalizing historic sites, sparking further discussion on the integration of modern technologies and traditional craftsmanship.

Finally, Loredana Stasisin, architectural heritage specialist, gave an inspiring presentation about the systemic approach on human-centred design, cultural sustainability and meaningful living spaces, sharing her experience and projects in the field of heritage and cultural sustainability, but also concluding with valuable advice for young talents. 

 

Some of the key messages from the speakers were: 

• Revitalisation vs greenfield investments 

• People are the ones making changes - engagement for re-development 

• Different sustainable solutions of urban elements

• Paradigm changing from industrial to re-urbanisation and sustainable city 

• Vision – small interventions matter 

• Heritage revitalisation WITH and FOR citizens 

 

The seminar concluded with an announcement of the upcoming live experiment in Tržič starting July 11th and an Online capacity building seminar for Turku experiment which will be held on September 3rd under the title: Heritage revival through digital technologies. 

 

Overall, the seminar served as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in the world of historic preservation. By fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring actionable strategies, the event provided much needed guidance and insight for the upcoming REVIVE live experiments.