Human Cities

21/01/2025

Check out the article on Dezeen to learn more about the inspiring SMOTIES transformations happend in remote corners of Europe. 🌍✨

The FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences in Austria has partnered with other cultural institutions for its Smoties initiative.

29/12/2024

18/12/2024

🪴SMOTIES Toolbox. Design tools for the creative transformation of public spaces in small and remote places 🧰

We’re excited to present the “SMOTIES Toolbox: Design tools for the creative transformation of public spaces in small and remote places”, edited by Valentina Auricchio, Annalinda De Rosa, Davide Fassi, Birgir Johannsson, Josie King, Astrid Lelarge, Pall Líndal, Vanessa Monna, Paola Russo, and Frank van Hasselt, and published by Birkhäuser (2025).

This toolbox is your go-to guide for turning remote places into vibrant, liveable spaces! By bringing residents, stakeholders, and creative teams together, it’s packed with practical tools to co-design cultural and creative activities that spark life and connection in small and remote communities. Whether you’re a citizen, a project leader, or part of a local institution, these tools are here to inspire and support you in creating meaningful change.

🛠️ Start creating positive change: https://birkhauser.com/books/9783035629187

design.festival .design.polimi .cieszyn

31/10/2024

🌍 Remote Places, Public Spaces: The Story of Creative Works with Ten Small Communities 🌱

Discover how creativity transforms communities in small and remote places with "Remote Places, Public Spaces". Our final publication, edited by our Human Cities – SMOTIES team, including Davide Fassi, Annalinda De Rosa, Inge Eller, and Michael Dumiak, brings together inspiring stories of how design and innovation can reshape public spaces in remote areas.

Filled with insights from ten unique communities, it’s a beautiful testament to the power of collaboration and the creative spirit in fostering vibrant, inclusive public spaces. A must-read for anyone passionate about social innovation and community-driven design!

📖 Dive in here: https://humancities.eu/smoties/final-publication/


Disainiöö / Tallinn Design FestivalPOLIMI DESIS Lab Politecnico di MilanoFH JOANNEUM FH JOANNEUM Design & Kommunikation Zamek Cieszyn Urbanistični inštitut Republike Slovenije Cité du design Universidade da Madeira - Página Institucional Eesti Disainerite Liit / Estonian Association of Designers @Ενημέρωση Φοιτητών Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου
Photos:

29/10/2024

On October 23rd, the Polimi DESIS Lab presented the final results of HumanCities / SMOTIES.

The seminar presented the research outcomes and – above all – was the opportunity to foster dialogue with experts on the role of participatory design practices in small and remote places.

After the welcome and introduction by Alberto Guadagnini (Vice-Rector for Research) and Alessandro Deserti (Director of the Department of Design), professor Davide Fassi and researcher Annalinda De Rosa introduced the approach, methodology and achieved results of . Anna Conticello – Project Manager of the Culture Italian Desk of Creative Europe – provided an overview of funding opportunities for culture and creativity in Italy from the perspective of the next two years for European research.

The debate has been enriched by three conversations moderated by professors Davide Fassi and Valentina Auricchio and researcher Annalinda De Rosa, focusing the attention on social responsibility, power dynamics, and the impact of research in local systems, on different models of governance of the commons and the policies needed to support them.

Thanks to the speakers’ contribution: Daniele Busciantella Ricci (Università degli Studi di Firenze), Aldo Buzio (Ideazione srl), Alessandro Coppola (Politecnico di Milano), Annibale D’Elia (Comune di Milano), Beatrice De Carli (University of Sheffield), Maddalena Ferretti (Università Politecnica delle Marche), Elena Giunta (Studio Shift).

.design.polimi .b.r .delia .shift

09/10/2024

Futuri Remoti
(Live event)

October 23, 2024, 2:45 – 6:00pm CEST @ Aula Magna, Building 1 – Rectorate, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milan

The Human Cities/Smoties (2020-2024) project, led by the Polimi DESIS Lab research group from the Department of Design of Politecnico di Milano and co-funded by the Creative Europe program of the European Union, involved institutions, associations and citizens from ten small and remote European places to co-design innovative public spaces and services.

The event will present the project’s results and feature three discussions with experts on the challenges related to design practices, public policy, and scientific research in the areas of participatory design and active citizenship.

Register: link in bio


.polimi .eu

08/10/2024

The book presentation for "Remote Places, Public Spaces: The Story of Creative Works with Ten Small Communities" took place during the Design Forum at the .design.festival on September 19.

This inspiring book, edited by Human Cities - SMOTIES, Davide Fassi, Annalinda De Rosa, Inge Eller, and Michael Dumiak; published by Birkhäuser in 2024, explores the power of creativity in small communities. The book provides insights into how design transforms small and remote places into vibrant public spaces.

Download or order here: https://birkhauser.com/books/9783035629132?fbclid=IwY2xjawFUT15leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHama7VchnxWBx0lMf72J2VUatDob6YnvVwzKPpqZrMR5Tbh4cvGwgDanqA_aem_UqDy8tp6CEqjzKq8UKP1vA


Disainiöö / Tallinn Design Festival POLIMI DESIS Lab Politecnico di Milano FH JOANNEUM Design & Kommunikation FH JOANNEUM Zamek Cieszyn Urbanistični inštitut Republike Slovenije Cité du designArt Circle Slovenia Universidade da Madeira - Página Institucional Eesti Disainerite Liit / Estonian Association of Designers @Ενημέρωση Φοιτητών Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου

photos: Bettina Gjecaj, Lucia Jarosova, Kevin Loigu

25/09/2024

🌟 A sincere thank you to all our amazing SMOTIES partners for their dedication and invaluable contributions throughout the entire project, and especially during our final Transnational meeting in Estonia! ✨ Estonia, as always, was both welcoming and inspiring. Special thanks to Ilona, Kirke, and Kevin for hosting this unforgettable gathering. It was an incredible opportunity to reflect on our shared journey, exchange knowledge, experiences, and insights that have shaped SMOTIES and will continue to inspire us long after its conclusion.


Disainiöö / Tallinn Design Festival POLIMI DESIS Lab Politecnico di Milano FH JOANNEUM FH JOANNEUM Design & Kommunikation Zamek Cieszyn Urbanistični inštitut Republike Slovenije Cité du design CLEAR Village Universidade da Madeira - Página Institucional Eesti Disainerite Liit / Estonian Association of Designers Ενημέρωση Φοιτητών Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου

21/08/2024

🎥 We asked Alekos Kyrianakis from Apano Meria following questions:
1️⃣ What impact did the SMOTIES project have?
2️⃣ How do you envision the future in small and remote places?

Alekos is a member of Kavilia Cooperativa and our LOCAL HERO 🌟. Kavilia Cooperativa is a Social Enterprise dedicated to developing hands-on skills through crafts, fostering mutual understanding across social classes, and enhancing aesthetic perception. The Cooperative promotes participatory DIY and place-making, engaging local communities in sharing tools, skills, materials, and spaces. Alekos is passionate about empowering local communities, advocating for participation, tolerance, and social justice in the face of global challenges.

Discover more at: kavilia.org 🌐

16/08/2024

Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
A project to collect memories from local residents has been launched by the Association for the preservation and promotion of the former Carthusian monastery of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. The idea for the project came from the local authorities, and in particular the teachers at the village school, who felt that young people were losing interest in the history of village life.
During a workshop with local residents, the choice was made to create an intergenerational card game for Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. It could be used in a private setting, so that the memory can be passed down through the generations, and in a public setting, by organising village-wide play sessions.