Along the waterfront : cities in Europe facing climate change

Abstract

This book is the result of an intense partnership. International and interdisciplinary participants invested months of their lives investigating together. The commitment towards the challenges brought by the anthropogenic effect on climate change was carried out by many, with enthusiasm. New methods of research were tested to seek results and to imagine solutions. The involvement of each participant and institution contributed for the excellency in research. Together they produced a body of knowledge useful for the common good. All this was supported by funds of the Marie Curie Grant given by the Research European Agency. In each waterfront city, the local Principal Researcher hosted international participants and offered them the chance to meet some of the brightest minds, talented professionals who shown great capacities in their own field. Local experts played a funda mental role by sharing updated data with the external researchers who critically reviewed the sites, produced research at a very high level relating the built environment and the impact of climate change. Without the guidance and generosity of each Principal Researcher the research project would have not been possible. Researchers, being experienced or young, participated in the events organized in the five cities. They took a remarkable respon sibility through an innovative judgment of the research questions and gave evidence to be committed, responsible and passionate in the exchange of ideas. Throughout persevering and relentless work, many researchers represented their ideas with remarka ble accuracy, using diagrams, text, models and drawings, which allowed the group to go beyond the initial plans and reach an ex cellent level while remaining remarkably humble. They are all listed in this book. The cross fertilization between participants was the main asset of the consortium gathering academic and non-academic institu tions. Some of the results deal with emerging strategies, they use experimental and rigorous systems, that are challenging intellectu ally and at the design level. The pleasure of having collaborate with outstanding professionals is difficult to express, here. There were moments of revelation, serenity and intelligent seriousness when collaborating together. The atmosphere of mutual trust allowed the production of knowledge, broad and critically developed that hopefully will inspire others.