EUNIC Imagine Festival - Regeneration of Cities

Urban areas in Europe face a range of growing challenges. Rising housing prices are making many cities increasingly unaffordable. Climate change and higher temperatures are reshaping how public spaces are used, while the needs of diverse populations, including ageing communities and the impacts of growing income inequality, create additional pressures on the design and management of these spaces.

These topics were among those discussed at the EUNIC Imagine Festival: Regeneration of Cities, held on November 3rd and 4th in Prague. Metaform founder and architect Shahram Agaajani was invited to the conference to speak about public spaces and how we can create more liveable, human-centred cities. The event featured an international panel of speakers presenting a wide range of inspiring approaches and projects from across Europe.

On the first day, experts from different countries shared their perspectives on urban futures. Presentations addressed challenges such as public space adaptation, inclusive design, and housing affordability. These insights were further explored and discussed during panel sessions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences on how cities can respond to these growing pressures. During this part of the festival, Metaform also presented what makes a great public space, illustrated with the example of the Sinterbecken project.

The second day focused on workshops and discussions held across Prague’s European cultural institutes. The sessions explored how collaboration and design can contribute to more liveable and sustainable cities. On this day, Shahram presented on regenerative public space design, illustrating the topic through projects including Sinterbecken, Velodrome, Post Headquarters – Helix, and Paul Wurth. These projects highlighted practical approaches to creating urban spaces that are adaptable and inclusive.

Metaform would like to thank Denise Quistorp, President of EUNIC Prague, Katarzyna Kożuch of the Polish Institute Prague, and the entire team for organizing the first edition of this inspiring conference. Special thanks also go to Alena Velíšková and the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Prague for the invitation.

Photography Cover © EUNIC