TALEA Green Cells: Bologna’s New Green Cells

Urban heat islands, exacerbated by climate change, pose an increasing challenge for cities worldwide. Bologna is no exception: this phenomenon, characterized by higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding regions, negatively impacts quality of life, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

To tackle this issue, Bologna has developed a concrete strategy: TALEA Green Cells (TGC), an initiative that combines nature-based solutions with innovative technologies to enhance urban living conditions. These "green cells" represent a new approach to urban design, seamlessly connecting the physical and digital worlds while fostering interaction between communities and the environment.

TGCs are not just green spaces; they are carefully designed systems aimed at optimizing the urban microclimate, mitigating the heat island effect and encouraging active community participation. They will be implemented in three strategic areas of Bologna, selected through a participatory process involving citizens during the Participatory Budgeting initiative. This selection process was further refined through an analysis of social and climate vulnerability maps. These areas, spanning both the historic center and suburban districts, will serve as true "climate shelters" for residents.

The TALEA project aligns with the European green transition framework, contributing to the goal of creating climate-neutral and more resilient cities by 2030. Moreover, its collaboration with Marseille (France), Riga (Latvia) and Cluj-Napoca (Romania)—cities that will explore how to adapt the model to their own urban contexts—reinforces the initiative's European dimension.

With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and public engagement, TALEA aims to transform Bologna into a model of urban resilience, where citizens can live in healthier, safer environments, significantly improving quality of life and environmental sustainability.

Project Overview

Project Name: TALEA – Green Cells Leading the Green Transition (EUI02-064)

Funding: European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions

Duration: December 2024 – May 2028 (42 months)

Budget: €6,249,980.40, of which €4,999,984.32 (80%) is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Partners: Fondazione IU Rusconi Ghigi, Alma Mater – University of Bologna, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), R2M Solution, R3GIS, CINECA Interuniversity Consortium

Transfer Cities: Marseille (FR), Riga (LV), Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Ultimo aggiornamento: venerdì 31 gennaio 2025