The cities of the future will not only measure development in square footage, but also in quality of life, sustainability and social participation. In this direction, the European project URBREATH, co-financed by the European Union, aims to combine nature and technology to create more durable, green and participatory urban areas.
After one year of implementation, the project has already given clear signs of progress. Through the utilization of Nature-Based solutions (NBS), digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, URBREATH seeks to change the way in which We design, monitor and evolve urban environments.
From theory to practice
In Estonia, Belgium, Spain and Romania, pilot applications have already launched pilot applications that leverage artificial intelligence and digital twins to improve the resilience and environmental balance of cities. The tests focus on reducing the heat island, preventing floods and improving air quality, contributing to healthier and more adaptive urban landscapes.
At the same time, citizens and local bodies participate in co-creation educational workshops, where they jointly design solutions that meet their needs. Public actions and demonstrations show in practice how such solutions work, such as, for example, natural water filtration systems or green infrastructures that help reduce the temperature in neighborhoods.
Technology as a sustainability tool
In URBREATH, artificial intelligence acts as a lever for strengthening, not a replacement. Through data analytics and real-time simulation, digital twins provide valuable tools for making evidence-based environmental policies, offering a new dimension to decision-making.
The Greek contribution to a European mission
Greece has an active and essential role in the project, through the participation of innovative companies and research organizations. Athens Technology Center (ATC), a member of SEKEE, contributes with its expertise to artificial intelligence and digital tools development solutions, utilizing its experience of European projects linking technology to sustainable development and the participation of citizens.
Along with TELESTO, EXUS (AI Lab), PROCESS, the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems of NTUA (ICCS) and ANAPLASIS – which coordinates the pilot actions in the Municipality of Athens – Greek bodies play an important role in shaping a European innovation ecosystem.
To cities that “breathe”
URBREATH proposes a new model of urban development, where technology, nature and society are connected to a common goal: the creation of more sustainable, resilient and participatory cities. With a four-year horizon, the project continues to produce knowledge, data and best practices, offering a framework for cities that breathe, and evolve, through the power of innovation.
This text has been translated automatically from the original Greek. In case of any discrepancy or inaccuracy, the original Greek text prevails. The translation is provided for information purposes only.