This one-day workshop in Košice, Slovakia, explores how underutilized and abandoned urban areas can be revitalized through urban prototyping and circular design. The focus is on applying nature-based solutions as a part of circular lifestyle and inclusive, consensus-driven approaches to shaping a sustainable and resilient urban future.
THEMES: Reimagining cities
- Urban Prototyping: Addressing how abandoned/empty buildings can be reimagined and adapted through innovative uses of architecture and space. The aim is to reconsider abandoned or neglected sites and explore their potential to serve new functions through circular and sustainable design practices and how can circular lifestyle activities be part/ integrated in the reconsideration of abandoned spaces.
- Nature-Based Solutions and its impact on changing consumption models: Investigating how ecological frameworks can inform urban regeneration. This includes integrating green infrastructure, water management systems, and biotech architecture into the renewal of Košice’s urban spaces.
- Collaborative Governance: Focusing on consensus-driven methods that involve local stakeholders and communities in decision-making processes. Through participatory governance, the workshop will explore how urban planning and design can reflect the needs of both people and the environment.
GOAL: Building Sustainable Futures Through Collaboration
This workshop aims to reflect on the future of urban environments through practical exploration, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable, circular design approaches. By engaging with local stakeholders and integrating the potential of AI- driven insights and advanced technologies, we hope to create a framework for addressing underutilized infrastructure, achieving sustainability goals, and fostering long-term resilience for Košice and its central areas.
SCHEDULE
09:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Opening Remarks & Workshop Introduction
> Welcome by Terreform ONE: Overview of the workshop’s objectives and Terreform ONE’s mission in socio-ecological design.
> Context Setting: Introduction to Košice’s underutilized public infrastructure
> Agenda Overview: Explanation of the key themes for the day: urban prototyping, nature based solutions, and collaborative governance.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Session 1 – Urban Prototyping: Rethinking Peripheral Spaces
> Presentation: Terreform ONE’s approach to urban prototyping, redefining how peripheral areas and abandoned infrastructure can be repurposed for sustainable, community-driven uses. Insights on adaptive reuse and architectural innovation.
> Case Study: Highlighting Košice’s underutilized buildings and the challenges of energy inefficiency and carbon emissions. Discussion on the use of Next Use AI recommendation tools and AZGARD Digital Twin Platform to repurpose vacant assets.
> Discussion: Participants share insights on prototyping ideas in their own contexts and the potential in Košice.
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Coffee Break
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM: Session 2 – Circular and Nature-Based Solutions
> Presentation: Exploring circular design principles and nature-based solutions for revitalizing peripheral spaces. Integrating green infrastructure, biotech architecture, and sustainable building systems. How nature-based solutions can enhance resilience in urban regeneration.
> Group Activity: Participants break into groups to develop practical circular design solutions for Košice’s vacant infrastructure:
· Circular materials and closed-loop systems.
· Climate-proofing and emissions reduction strategies.
· Green rooftops, water management, and ecological integration.
> Group Presentations: Each group presents their solutions and approaches.
12:45 PM – 01:45 PM: Lunch Break
01:45 PM – 03:15 PM: Session 3 – Collaborative Governance and Civic Engagement
> Presentation: Addressing collaborative governance and participatory planning as tools for involving citizens in the transformation of underutilized buildings. Fostering civic engagement in urban prototyping and infrastructure development.
> Interactive Exercise: Participants design community engagement models to repurpose underutilized buildings in Košice:
· Building trust and ownership through transparent processes.
· Creating multifunctional spaces for housing, social services, or cultural hubs based on community needs.
03:15 PM – 03:30 PM: Coffee Break
03:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Session 4 – Prototyping a Future Vision for Košice’s Periphery
> Presentation: Synthesizing the day’s discussions and reflections on creating long-term impacts through urban prototyping. Discussion on how successful prototypes can influence policy, shape city planning, and foster resilience. How AI and data-driven tools can inform future urban regeneration projects.
> Interactive Workshop: Participants collaborate to draft a prototyping roadmap for Košice’s periphery, addressing:
· Climate-proofing, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction.
· Social inclusion, community engagement, and economic growth.
· Scaling and replicating successful prototypes across other urban areas.
05:00 PM – 05:30 PM: Final Reflections & Group Feedback
> Group Reflection: Participants share key takeaways and discuss how the ideas from the workshop can be carried forward.
> Next Steps: Outlining potential actions and how to integrate workshop insights into ongoing urban prototyping initiatives in Košice.
05:30 PM – 06:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Networking
> Closing by Terreform ONE: Thank you to participants and closing remarks.
> Final Networking Opportunity: Informal discussions and connections.