Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The topic funds innovation projects that develop and demonstrate solutions using un-used or under-used space above buildings and streets. The aim is to provide more green spaces and/or affordable housing while limiting land use.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

The topic belongs to the call "Beautiful, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods for communities". Demand for housing and land can conflict with the need to protect nature and biodiversity. The topic funds solutions that use un-used or under-used vertical space above streets and buildings, such as urban vertical farming, rooftop community gardens, vertical extensions or other multifunctional structures, while managing risks such as social acceptance, regulatory barriers and excessive densification.

What proposals are expected to do

• Develop and demonstrate at least one innovative solution that uses vertical space above buildings and/or streets in a beautiful and sustainable way, to improve the availability and affordability of housing and/or provide more green spaces.
• Integrate circularity principles into the solution.
• Assess life cycle environmental, social and economic impacts and, where relevant, limit the negative effects of densification.
• Assess the potential to reduce demand for land.
• Identify regulatory, technical and societal barriers and propose ways to overcome them.

Expected outcomes

• More innovative solutions for vertical space use available on the market.
• More efficient use of the existing built environment, providing green spaces and/or affordable housing in neighbourhoods.

Approach

Projects are expected to be participatory and transdisciplinary, to involve the local community and, where relevant, cultural and creative industries in co-creation, and to contribute where possible to the urban greening goals of the Nature Restoration Regulation. International cooperation is encouraged. Activities are expected to reach TRL 6 to 8 by the end of the project. At least 0.8% of the budget is expected to go to engagement with the New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

1 de diciembre de 2026 (26 días)

1 December 2026 (single-stage submission).