Celebrating the winners of the third Students Reinventing Cities competition

The project improves the quality of life and climate resilience in Muhammad Amin Refugee Camp by  “incorporating green infrastructure like bioswales and green roofs.” We also “promoted urban biodiversity through local agriculture and created shared spaces like community gardens.”

“The most rewarding part of joining this competition was designing and planning a better green future for our city. Our goal was to build a resilient system for the people in the Camp and help them to fulfil their needs.”

The project seeks to revive Torrent d’Estadella, an industrial district in the suburbs of Barcelona by “prioritising green spaces to enhance biodiversity.” We also integrated “cycle and pedestrian routes, energy efficiency strategies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable construction methods.”

“Working with such a diverse group of people in a vibrant city like Barcelona has allowed us to use our collective strengths and expertise to create a truly impactful project, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of the local community.”

Our project enhances connectivity and integrates informal settlements in the La Paternal neighbourhood by “activating underutilised spaces, improving pedestrian experiences, and adding green infrastructure. Special attention to La Carbonilla informal settlement ensures inclusivity, making the neighbourhood more livable for all residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.”

“The most rewarding part of participating in Students Reinventing Cities was connecting with people from diverse academic backgrounds. Collaborating with new peers pushed us to deepen our ideas while gaining fresh insights into urbanism. We also had the chance to engage with local neighbours and stakeholders, which deepened our understanding of La Paternal and the city as a whole.”

The project transforms Vasbyhave into a park that meets diverse community needs by designing spaces “that encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and social interaction, such as multi-use sports areas, serene retreats, and communal spaces.”

“We prioritised intergenerational inclusivity by providing areas for all ages — from children’s play zones to recreational and quiet spaces for teens and the elderly. Sustainability is key, with native plants to boost biodiversity, permeable surfaces for stormwater management, green energy solutions, and shaded areas to mitigate heat. These elements together create a more livable, adaptable city.”

“The most rewarding part of participating in this competition has been the opportunity to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds and leverage our unique skills effectively. As a team of students from various disciplines, we combined different perspectives, enriching our approach to urban planning. This experience allowed us to apply our theoretical knowledge in a practical, impactful way, translating concepts into a feasible design for Vasbyhave. Contributing innovative ideas to the city’s future planning has been incredibly fulfilling, reaffirming the value of collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking in creating sustainable and inclusive urban spaces.”

The team’s solutions aim to transform Vale do Pinhão, Curitiba’s primary industrial area, into a green innovation hub.

The three main strategies include,: “one: enhancing accessibility through multi-modal transportation options to ensure everyone can easily navigate Vale do Pinhão. Two: bolstering resilience against intensified weather events by reducing reliance on the energy grid, creating a greener neighbourhood that benefits from natural cooling through evapotranspiration and shading, and sustainable infrastructure initiatives. Three: establishing an innovation hub designed to attract people and empower them with the resources they need to bring their ideas to life.”

“The most rewarding part of this competition has been the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from experts, teammates, and a Brazilian friend. As it was our first experience with urban design, working on a project of this scale, focused on significant environmental and social goals, was incredibly valuable. We gained practical insights into implementing sustainable design in urban settings.”

By incorporating accessible infrastructure, water kiosks, and a vocational training centre, we aim to empower marginalised groups like the United Polio Brothers and Sisters Association (UPBSA). Using local materials and techniques will preserve Freetown’s cultural heritage, while community engagement ensures the design reflects residents’ values. This holistic approach enhances sustainability, inclusivity, and social well-being in Freetown’s urban spaces. We’ll create green spaces, rainwater harvesting systems, and renewable energy solutions to reduce pollution and promote environmental resilience.”

“The most rewarding part of participating in this competition has been the opportunity to collaborate with the Freetown community, incorporating their cultural identity into a sustainable design. Engaging with local artisans, stakeholders, and residents has enriched our understanding of the city’s values, allowing us to create a solution that resonates with their needs. The chance to reimagine urban spaces for marginalised groups like the United Polio Brothers and Sisters Association (UPBSA), while addressing environmental challenges, has been deeply fulfilling. This experience has reinforced our belief in the power of inclusive, community-driven design to create lasting, positive change.”

The project transforms the Barrio de Analco into a people-centred neighbourhood with access to green spaces and recreational facilities. 

“We put supporting small businesses and local culture and art at the centre of our project,  recognising their value to the economy and the identity of the neighbourhood. We proposed decent and affordable homes for those most in need. One of our most important goals was to address the safety concerns on the outskirts of the neighbourhood. To do this, we designed more open, well-light and multi-use spaces that promote social interaction.”

“Participating in Students Reinventing Cities was an extremely enriching experience for all of us. Each team member brought a unique perspective; it was amazing to see how, as we moved forward, our ideas complemented each other to create a joint vision that would never have been possible without everyone’s collaboration. We learned that the true richness of this challenge is not just the end result, but the process of listening, discussing and working together to overcome challenges.”

The team’s proposal pilots a transit-oriented development in Marlboro Station and its surrounding informal settlements. 

“We created a high-density mixed-use project aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. We integrated green areas by optimising vertical space. We concentrated on the Jukskei River to help with the problems of food security and agricultural trade. We wanted to establish a system to preserve this body of water, harnessing its flow to generate electricity, and developing it into the most well-thought-out green space that will reduce the carbon footprint of the new construction.”

“The social inequities that still exist in South Africa’s informal settlements, especially in Alexandra, have been brought to light by this initiative. We had the opportunity to visit the location and engage in conversation with the residents of Alexandra regarding their living circumstances. After reviewing the site’s history, we concluded that, given the attention that has been paid to the effects housing projects have on the environment and the social welfare of the land’s residents, there is a greater need than ever for housing projects. We also discovered that by collaborating across diverse design philosophies and methods, we can create amazing designs.”

The project aims to revitalise the historical neighbourhood of Alfama and integrate sustainable infrastructure. 

“By implementing permeable surfaces and expanding green spaces, we’ve created a cohesive network that manages stormwater effectively, enhances biodiversity, and promotes urban cooling. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, reinforces the district’s energy independence and reduces carbon emissions. The introduction of eco-friendly urban elevators improves vertical connectivity while minimising environmental impact. We have also designed social areas that reflect and support Alfama’s cultural activities, ensuring that all residents benefit from a more accessible, inclusive, and vibrant urban environment.”

“The opportunity to contribute to the future of Lisbon with a design that is in harmony with the city’s rich cultural heritage and meets modern urban needs was the most rewarding part of participating in this competition. Imagining our vision come to life and how it shapes the daily experiences of people in Lisbon was incredibly fulfilling. Collaborating with our talented team was an incredibly enriching and creative experience. Finally, having our creativity and dedication recognized by the competition jury made us feel rewarded and motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.”

The project revives the role of the  Pool of London as a visual gateway to the City of London from the River Thames. 

The team maximised public space in the area by repurposing the historical Custom House into a green lab powered by renewable energy. The team improved the site’s connectivity by widening pedestrian space on Lower Thames Street and creating a new bike path and crosswalk. The design cultivates a pollinator-friendly garden, creating environmental education programs and installing permeable surfaces throughout the site.

The project develops a “pioneer social housing and community development model” in the abandoned and contaminated Lincoln Heights Jail.

“We blended these aspects into a climate and socially resilient design, weaving in community services and economic opportunities. Our dream is for Lincoln Heights to stand proud and resilient for generations, and we hope that this redesigned space provides the support to do so.”

“The most rewarding part of participating in this competition has been the opportunity to learn about Lincoln Heights and to design a proposal specifically tailored for the community with the potential to make a meaningful, positive impact on their lives. The competition addressed real-world challenges, and it is fulfilling to propose solutions that could actually be implemented in Lincoln Heights.”

The project develops a “pioneer social housing and community development model” in the abandoned and contaminated Lincoln Heights Jail.

“We blended these aspects into a climate and socially resilient design, weaving in community services and economic opportunities. Our dream is for Lincoln Heights to stand proud and resilient for generations, and we hope that this redesigned space provides the support to do so.”

“The most rewarding part of participating in this competition has been the opportunity to learn about Lincoln Heights and to design a proposal specifically tailored for the community with the potential to make a meaningful, positive impact on their lives. The competition addressed real-world challenges, and it is fulfilling to propose solutions that could actually be implemented in Lincoln Heights.”

The project revitalises Comunidad do Pilar, an impoverished area with informal settlements, through a “human-scale” approach, considering the local context and the area’s history.

“The emphasis on active mobility with infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists promotes a safer and more accessible environment, with streets for people, especially children. The solutions aim to increase the sense of community, a circular economy and offer a more resilient, vibrant and integrated perspective for the future.”

“The most gratifying thing was having the opportunity to propose design solutions outside the traditional academic environment and apply some of what we learned as students and users of these spaces. It was especially rewarding to develop proposals that consider, above all, the diversity, nuances, and unique contexts of Salvador, particularly in the territory of the Pilar Community. This project will help contribute to building a more inclusive city connected with local realities, making us understand that sustainability is about relating nature, spaces and people.”

The project pilots a transit-oriented community model in Thorncliffe Park, a fast-growing neighbourhood in northeast Toronto.

“Closing off sections of parking raises opportunities for a pedestrian community space to enjoy gatherings, cultural events, business vendor spaces and non-profit events. The proposal of flora-lined pathways to stitch together green spaces of Thorncliffe to help the community feel safer reaching different parts of the neighbourhood. Additionally, utilising green space for pollinator gardens and insect hotels allows for improved ecology and stormwater quality to reconnect Thorncliffe Park with the Don Valley River.”

“Students Reinventing Cities initiative has allowed us to gain real-life experiences in a key neighbourhood in the City of Toronto. Thorncliffe Park is bustling with new development projects and diverse immigrant families while being in an environmentally sensitive area adjacent to the Don Valley River. Through multidisciplinary research and site engagements, we proudly present this planning opportunity to make Thorncliffe Park a green and thriving neighbourhood. The most rewarding part has been the practical experience in Thorncliffe Park that C40 Cities has connected SixPod with.”

“Our project focuses on green retrofits to transform buildings, using exterior insulation materials and smart window technologies to regulate indoor temperatures and conserve energy. We introduced smart transport systems to address the congested streets and improve traffic efficiency. Additionally, we created rain gardens and shallow grass ditches to capture rainwater, enhance greenery, and regulate the local microclimate. The project also expands public activity spaces and develops exchange shops and cultural exhibitions to build a prosperous circular economy for the community.”

“The most rewarding part of this process was working together as a team. We regularly explored Beihu Street to truly appreciate and understand its current predicament, and this helped us propose ideas tailored to the local context.”