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The Mediterranean region faces a unique combination of urban and environmental challenges. Rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, increasing energy demand and densely built neighbourhoods are placing growing pressure on cities to become more climate resilient. In this context, rooftops offer a significant yet often overlooked opportunity to improve the performance of existing buildings while creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments. The newly published Gr

In many Mediterranean cities, rooftops are beginning to play a much more active role in addressing some of today's most pressing urban challenges. From improving biodiversity and reducing the urban heat island effect to creating opportunities for food production and community engagement, these elevated spaces are increasingly recognised as valuable assets for more sustainable cities. The newly published Spain Case Studies Factsheets, developed within the Active RoofTops South

Across Portugal, rooftops are gradually becoming more than simply the uppermost layer of a building. They are evolving into spaces that encourage learning, strengthen biodiversity and demonstrate how cities can adapt to environmental challenges through innovative design. The newly released Portugal Case Studies Factsheets, developed within the Active RoofTops South Europe (aRTes) project, present a selection of projects that illustrate how rooftops can successfully combine en

Rooftops often represent one of the most underutilised resources within our cities. Yet, when thoughtfully designed, they can become places that reconnect people with nature, strengthen biodiversity and even breathe new life into historic buildings. The newly published Italy Case Studies Factsheets, developed within the aRTes – Active RoofTops South Europe project, explore a collection of rooftop interventions that demonstrate how these overlooked spaces can contribute to urb

Cities across Europe are increasingly looking upwards in search of new opportunities to improve urban sustainability. While rooftops have traditionally been viewed as technical spaces, they are gradually being reimagined as places that can support biodiversity, food production, social interaction and cultural activities. The newly published France Case Studies Factsheets, developed within the aRTes – Active RoofTops South Europe project, bring together three inspiring example

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest aRTes Newsletter – May 2026 Edition, presenting recent progress and key developments across the project as we continue reimagining rooftops as active, multifunctional urban spaces. This edition highlights important achievements from several project work packages, showcasing how aRTes is advancing innovative rooftop solutions through sustainability, digital technologies, urban logistics and collaborative planning approaches.

From 12–14 May 2026, aRTes partners gathered in Madrid for the Mid-Project Meeting hosted by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), bringing together researchers, practitioners and stakeholders to review progress, exchange ideas and shape the next phase of the project. Across three intensive and collaborative days, partners discussed ongoing activities, aligned priorities and explored how Active Rooftops can contribute to more sustainable, resilient and people-centered urba

The aRTes consortium will gather in Madrid for its Mid-Project Meeting on May 12-14, 2026, bringing together project partners to review progress, strengthen collaboration, and define the next steps towards the implementation of rooftop transformation solutions across Europe. The meeting will focus on fostering a shared understanding of the project’s direction, while creating space for knowledge exchange and alignment across work packages. In this context, the first sessions w

We are pleased to announce the publication of the official aRTes project leaflet. The leaflet presents a concise overview of the project’s challenge, objectives, activities, and expected impact. It highlights how aRTes transforms underutilised urban rooftops into sustainable, multifunctional spaces that enhance climate resilience, support renewable energy integration, and improve urban quality of life. Through pilot implementation, stakeholder engagement, and environmental an

The aRTes project is pleased to announce the publication of its first Annual Report, highlighting the project’s progress, achievements, and key activities carried out during 2025. Over the past year, the consortium has focused on establishing the foundations for transforming urban rooftops into sustainable, multifunctional spaces that contribute to climate resilience, renewable energy integration, and improved urban quality of life. Significant progress has been achieved acro

Urban design has long moved beyond top-down planning. Modern cities increasingly recognise that the people who live, work, and interact in urban spaces must have an active role in shaping them. Co-creation, as the collaborative design of spaces with communities and stakeholders, is essential for developing solutions that are inclusive, effective, and meaningful. In the aRTes project, co-creation is a foundational element of the methodology. Each pilot city is engaging local..

Cities across Europe are experiencing growing environmental challenges (i.e., rising temperatures, reduced green spaces, increasing energy demand, and declining biodiversity). Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have emerged as a key response to these challenges, offering sustainable, adaptable, and cost-effective ways to improve urban resilience. By integrating nature into the built environment, NBS create healthier, cooler, and more liveable cities. In the context of the aRTes pro

The aRTes project is conducting research to better understand citizens’ and stakeholders’ perspectives on urban rooftops, green infrastructure, and innovative rooftop uses across European cities. Your input is valuable in helping us design solutions that are sustainable, community-driven, and aligned with real needs. We invite you to participate in our survey, available in six languages. Please select the version that corresponds to your preferred language: Italian:...

Explore the most recent updates from the aRTes project, including upcoming events, project milestones, dissemination activities, and noteworthy achievements from our consortium. You may access and download the full newsletter in PDF format by clicking the link below: View & Download the aRTes Biannual Newsletter #2 Stay tuned for more updates, and follow us on social media for real-time news and insights: Instagram | LinkedIn

1-MADRID JUNE EVENT - DATES We already have the final date for Madrid aRTes event in June, voted by 90% of you It will be June 26-27 with extension to Saturday 28th for those who want to extend the travel to the weekend and accept to participate in some open activities outside the core ones on 26-27. With your informed number of participants we are arranging the logistics and closing some agreement with some hotel, in case you want to use that option for your stay If you have