IAAC Named Strategic Partner for new Erasmus+ Project on Circular design

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) is among the 11 partners from all over Europe to develop innovation in research and training in urbanism, architecture, and product and service design in the new project CiD by ERASMUS+ Alliances for Education and Enterprises co-funded by the European Union.

CiD focuses on Bio-based Innovation for the built environment by using bio-materials from other sectors, creating regional circular systems in renewable materials, and installing buildings as bio-machines. Green, digital, resilience and entrepreneurial skills in Circular Design are developed through an Innovation Ecosystem that brings together relevant actors from HEIs and VET with the broader socio-economic environment (RTO, municipalities, civil society and businesses). The Alliance develops innovation in Circular Design education by fostering entrepreneurship in academia, with an accelerator and continuing education programmes to upskill in emerging labour market profiles and enabling the creation of green start-ups.

The Innovation Alliance CiD brings together on a unique platform HEIs, VETs, RTOs, companies, sector and civil society organisations, incubators and investors in order to create an Innovation Ecosystem for the co-creation of knowledge and to accelerate the transfer of research and innovation to education. CID foresees a clear transnational approach with 11 partners from 8 countries across Europe. Important and innovative education and training providers:

* Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) with its Institute of Urban Design and Planning,
* Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) with its Advanced Architecture group,
* University of Genova (UNIGE) with its Product and Service Design group,
* and ARCES as an experienced vocational training provider in the ASSOFOR network of VET centres.

Among others different entrepreneurial partners active in the labour market and experts in green skills directly are involved in the project and useful in establishing observatories for innovation ecosystems:

* ACE Architects’ Council of Europe representing the interests of European architects SME and supporter for accreditation and qualification,
* Materiom as unique platform for SME using bio-materials in design,
* Architekturos Fondas Vilnius/Lithuania active in the building culture and partner of the Future Architecture network co-funded by Creative Europe.
* Business Inkubaator in Tallinn (TEI), a successful centre for business development of SME in CCI.

Four further partners complement with specific expertise:

* ALDA Europe as a NGO of +500 municipalities and civil society organisations active for sustainability,
* ERSILIA as consultancy and evaluation expert partner,
* Department of Biology of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) as first level RTO.
* Ellen MacArthur Foundation, recognised worldwide for leading the transition to a circular economy.

The kick-off conference took place last November at the European Cultural Centre in Venice (Italy). Read more about the project.