(N)URBS: New ‘Urbs’ system

Depopulation, Sea Level Rise, and breakdown of the whole Port Island (PI) are challenges that the Przeróbka, Stogi and Krakowiec-Górki-Zachodnie districts might face in a not too distant future. At the same time, PI’s natural capital and cultural heritage represent enormous opportunities for a ‘just and balanced’ environmental, social and economic ‘transition’. Our project aims to reconnect people with the environment, restoring degraded areas, regenerating the cultural identity, and valuing the natural capital, toward sustainable mobility, urban climate neutrality, and a circular landscape economy. “(N)URBS” is an integrated planning and design proposal for a New ‘Urbs’ system, intertwining tradition and innovation to bring new life to the landscape and the people who animate it, through a fluid dynamism within the critical zone of planetary boundaries and liveability. (N)URBS reconnects the Island with the city center and neighboring districts; the neighborhoods within the Island; the Island with the Baltic Sea, opening up international routes and visionary journeys. (N)URBS ‘smart’ activity programme is meant to attract tourists and new residents, through inclusive and safe urban ‘commons’ and robust urban public spheres. We envision landscape transition pathways to tackle climate change and societal resource use, while ensuring quality of life and economic prospects for all.(N)URBS generates positive energy through innovative materials, smart technologies, multi-level paths, nature-based solutions, and environmental art. (N)URBS acknowledges the UN-Habitat New Urban Agenda, and the United Nations urban goal (SDG 11) within the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU).