Urban transformation through open participation and inclusivity for citizen empowerment
UTOPIZE is an initiative originating from local communities, funded by the European Union, that aims to transform public spaces into vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive places.
By actively collaborating with citizens, UTOPIZE will reimagine and revitalise neighbourhoods and urban spaces, considering the needs and realities of each territory, whether in city centres or rural areas.
Inspired by the New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, inclusion, and beauty, UTOPIZE believes in designing with people, not just for them. Our approach puts communities at the heart of the process, giving them real influence over how public spaces are shaped and managed.
UTOPIZE begins in Portugal, Italy, and Sweden, and will grow to include six more countries through a Twinning Programme that helps adapt and scale successful approaches across Europe.
Together, we’re building better public spaces and stronger communities.
Overview
Start: 1st May 2025
End: 30th April 2028
Funding
3.9M €
8 countries
Portugal, Italy,
Sweden, Finland,
Denmark, Austria,
Belgium, Poland
UTOPIA Labs
Karlskoga (Sweden)
Ponte Lambro (Italy)
Penacova (Portugal)
Our approach
At UTOPIZE, great public spaces are made with the people who use them. That’s why we put community participation at the heart of everything we do. Working closely with citizens, UTOPIZE co-designs and co-manages spaces that reflect local identity and create a sense of belonging.
Through our UTOPIA Labs, communities use hands-on workshops and digital tools to imagine, shape, and transform their neighbourhoods together. We’re piloting new models of engagement in selected neighbourhoods across Europe, testing what works best to build trust, skills, and community ownership.
Our goal is to create inclusive, resilient spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable, using eco-friendly materials and nature-based solutions to address climate challenges.
What is the New European Bauhaus (NEB)?
New European Bauhaus (NEB) is a European Union initiative that brings the green transition closer to people’s everyday lives, making it sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful.
It supports communities in creating places that are good for both people and the planet. That means public spaces and buildings that are environmentally friendly, reflect local culture, and improve well-being and belonging even in the smallest towns or neighbourhoods.
The NEB helps make this happen by:
Supporting community-led projects at the local level
Offering tools, guidance and funding
Encouraging collaboration between citizens, designers, policymakers, and businesses
Putting people at the centre of change while also boosting local economies and Europe’s long-term resilience
Partners
UTOPIZE is coordinated by Comunidade Intermunicipal da Região de Coimbra (CIM-RC) and has 12 partners (4 universities, 3 municipalities, and 5 transversal partners)
