The project is a pioneering international initiative that embodies the interconnection between “soul, soil, and society,” emphasizing that sustainability, biodiversity, and social cohesion are essential components for thriving urban environments.

This visionary project aims to temporarily transform neglected areas in urban landscapes across Europe by creating green spaces, or “quilts,” that enhance ecological health, foster community engagement, and promote urban resilience.

Climate Quilts transforms the site into a living laboratory for ecological and social exploration. It is structured around two one-year cycles, operating at the intersection of ecological research, social science, and community engagement, with a focus on biodiversity enhancement, participatory design, and long-term urban resilience planning. This project will be undertaken by different European countries including the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden and Estonia.

These locations represent diverse urban contexts across Europe, yet they share common challenges and opportunities. Each location is undergoing significant transformation, with its own specific social, cultural, and environmental needs driving change. Despite their differences in geography, history, and urban layout, they all face pressing issues such as limited public green spaces, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable, community-centred development.

Each national group will develop a series of 10-by-10-metre mini-gardens on underutilised lots in urban environments in collaboration with city councils, academic institutions, and community organisations. These mini-gardens will serve as individual patches within larger green quilts, each designed and maintained by diverse groups comprising residents, artists, students, and researchers.

The project prioritises collaborative design processes that empower participants and municipalities to acquire skills in sustainable gardening and ecological design, thereby strengthening community ties and commitment to biodiversity stewardship. All activities are shared with municipalities, and findings will inform urban policies. The project strongly values diversity and inclusion aspires towardsequitable participation across all community groups.

‍

CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE SWEDISH CASE STUDY

Blivande serves as coordinator for the Swedish case study, local project manager, implementator of the physical quilts at the container village Frihamnstorget.

FKF plays a key role in community activation and ecological stewardship. They will also manage the community greenhouse as well as building and maintaining the ‘quilts’. They will contribute to critical ecological and artistic expertise during the design and implementation phases, supporting both practical execution and creative expression.

RISE contributes expertise from two specialised departments: Prototyping Societies and System Transformation. They will contribute to biodiveristy research and socio-cultural evaluation, examining participation, inclusion, and co-creation processes related to the Climate Quilts.

‍