The Bauhaus of the Seas Sails project, funded by the European Union (Horizon Europe), addresses environmental challenges by mobilizing cities close to water. Running from 2022 to 2025, the project collaborates with seven cities (Venice, Hamburg, Lisbon, Oeiras, Malmö, Genova, and Rotterdam), a border park (Grenspark Groot Saeftinghe), universities, and cultural organizations to test new solutions for reviving the relationship between coastal communities and water. The overall aim is to achieve a sustainable and inclusive transition, keeping aesthetics at the center and working with communities. Our partners in each city are implementing innovative activities called “drops” to adapt to sea level rise (Future Tidal Architectures), raise citizens’ awareness of water and marine life (Ocean Literacy), and share cooking skills and recipes that benefit both people and nature (Regenerative Menu), to list but a few of our initiatives. TU Delft leads the Impact Assessment of the project and participates in the Delta pilot, which tests the Future Tidal Architectures drop in the Dutch-Belgian Delta region with partners EGTS Linieland van Waas en Hulst, Het Nieuwe Instituut, and Vereniging Deltametropool. On Impact Assessment, TU Delft has developed an online platform and analytical reports about the impact of the project in each city, which are available below.
Bauhaus of the Seas Sails
Bauhaus of the Seas Sails Impact Reports
The Impact of Regenerative Menus and Ocean Literacy in Hamburg
Food can be a powerful medium to shift mindsets and build skills for more just, regenerative futures. Our new report explores the impact of the European project Bauhaus of the Seas Sails in Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city. Designers, chefs, farmers, artists, and researchers formed new collaborations and tested two “drop” solutions: Regenerative Menus and Ocean Literacy. We examine how the project addressed local needs, created multiple benefits, and expanded its impact over time. Through qualitative analysis, we highlight what made the project successful and which elements are key to applying these solutions elsewhere. This work contributes to our broader efforts to rethink how we evaluate local innovation to support place-based learning and long-term impact.
The Impact of Inclusive Digital Storytelling in Genoa
If you wrote a letter to the sea, what would you say? In Genoa, where port, urban expansion and traditional fishing villages meet, the municipality partnered with digital scientists and artists to test the Inclusive Digital Storytelling “drop” solution. Inhabitants and local associations joined a participatory process and shared seaside stories that inspired the creation of an immersive exhibition and an app. We examine how the project created value for communities and expanded its impact over time. Through qualitative analysis, we highlight what made the project successful and which elements are key to applying these solutions elsewhere. This work contributes to our broader efforts to rethink how we evaluate local innovation to support place-based learning and long-term impact.
The Impact of Blue Seniors, Regenerative Menus and Future Tidal Architectures in Venice
Elderly inhabitants recall a different Venice when the lagoon shaped daily life. This culture of the tide can guide sustainable transitions in food and urban planning while enhancing seniors’ participation and wellbeing. This idea inspired Venetian universities, the municipality and the port authority to test three “drop” solutions with local associations and students: Blue Seniors, Regenerative Menus and Future Tidal Architectures. We examine how the project built and expanded its impact over time. Through qualitative analysis, we highlight what made the project successful and which elements are key to applying these solutions elsewhere. This work contributes to our broader efforts to rethink how we evaluate local innovation to support place-based learning and long-term impact.
Impact of Future Tidal Architectures, Living with Water and Zoöp in the Flemish Dutch Delta
New learning and governance models can build collective knowledge on ecology and water cultures, providing a compass towards sustainable futures. Our new report explores the impact of the European project Bauhaus of the Seas Sails in the Dutch Flemish Delta, a region shaped by water, agriculture and port industrial complexes. Designers, researchers, students, citizens, local authorities and cultural institutions formed new collaborations and tested three “drop” solutions: Future Tidal Architectures, Living with Water, and Zoöp. We examine how the project built and expanded its impact over time. Through qualitative analysis, we highlight what made the project successful and which elements are key to applying these solutions elsewhere. This work contributes to our broader efforts to rethink how we evaluate local innovation to support place-based learning and long-term impact.
Project DOI: https://doi.org/10.3030/101079995
Project website: https://bauhaus-seas.eu/
Related PCF Blogs:
Testing new ways of living with water in the Delta: Bauhaus of the Seas Sails Delta kick-off
Location-Based Insights with the Bauhaus of the Seas Sails Geospatial Platform
Lead: Carola Hein
People:
Michael Rodrigues