UrbanSWARM: Nature-Based Solutions for Future-Proof Cities

UrbanSWARM’s Path to Climate-Resilient Cities

The project investigates how nature-based solutions can trigger broader circular, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive transformation. By focusing on overlooked areas, UrbanSWARM unlocks spatial potential that often remains invisible in traditional urban planning. Its purpose is to develop evidence, tools, and governance models that help cities make better, more climate resilient decisions.

Nature-Based Solutions for Better Urban Living

The project delivers societal impact by improving biodiversity, water management, material reuse, and community well-being. To professional practice, it offers new planning approaches grounded in cross-sector collaboration and community participation. Its unique value lies in connecting small-scale nature-based solutions with systemic urban change and testing these solutions in real-life Urban Living Labs across Europe.

Swarm Planning & Living Labs

UrbanSWARM uses Swarm Planning, an approach inspired by natural systems, to identify strategic points where small interventions can create large ripple effects. We will bring these ideas to life in four Urban Living Labs:

• Amsterdam and Utrecht (Netherlands)
• Sint-Niklaas (Belgium)
• Elliniko-Argyroupoli (Greece)
• the Valencia Metropolitan Area (Spain)

In these labs, solutions are co-created with residents, municipalities, researchers, and private partners. Methods include participatory design, spatial mapping, digital modelling, and shared indicators to support evidence-based decision-making. This hands-on, cross-disciplinary approach ensures that innovations are practical, scalable, and aligned with community needs.

Education

Bachelor, Master and PhD students from the involved universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutions will actively participate in UrbanSWARM to learn, collaborate on research, and contribute to graduation and postgraduate activities. Students will engage in fieldwork, data collection, co-creation sessions, and analytical work within the Urban Living Labs.

At the AUAS, students from the Bachelor Built Environment can develop graduation projects that align with the themes of climate adaptation, circularity, and nature-based solutions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain hands-on experience with innovative urban challenges. This integration strengthens the link between education, research, and professional practice.

Team

• Jeroen Kluck (Professor)
• Monserrat Budding-Polo Ballinas (Project Coordinator)
• Jeroen Schoonderbeek (Researcher)
• Lisanne Corpel (Researcher)
• Jonne Klaver (CoE City Net Zero)
• Mark van Wees (U!REKA)

Project Partners

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (Lead), HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HOGENT) (WP3 Lead), University of Antwerp (UA) (WP2 Lead), Municipality of Sint-Niklaas, Studiebureau voor bouwkunde en expertises (SBE), ICATALIST (ICA) (WP1 Lead), Fundación IMDEA Software (IMDEA), National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) (WP2 Lead).

Cooperation Partners

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Metropolia), European Municipalities Association Horta Sud- Valencia Metropolitan Area (EUMAHS), Stichting Water Amsterdam, Cittaideale, Stichting Platform Talent voor Technologie (PTvT / Katapult), Locality, Municipality of Elliniko–Argyroupoli (DEA), Development Agency of the Municipality of Elliniko–Argyroupoli (Elliniko Anelixis SA / ELAN), Blikveld vzw.

Funding

Grant provider: Driving Urban Transitions Programme, via 6 National funding agencies:

• The Netherlands: Regieorgaan SIA (Taskforce for Applied Research SIA)
• Belgium: Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship- (VLAIO)). Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen (The Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)).
• Spain: Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI)). State Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)).
• Greece: General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI).