Description
The Center for Urban Investigation aims to strengthen the capacity of the Creative Room to conduct think-tank research in the field of urban and regional development. The project aims: 1) To create and to equip with specific resources an Urban Investigation Centre (UIC) in Cluj-Napoca; 2) To improve research standards and methodologies used in intra-urban and inter-urban level in Romania; 3) To increase the participation and interaction between citizens, organization active in the field of "urban culture ", academia and various structures of local, regional and central government, dealing with quality of urban life. UIC is addressed to NGOs, initiative groups, networks and coalitions at national level, policy makers and civil servants at local and national level, as well as to the inhabitants of Cluj-Napoca. UIC acts as a resource center which enables interaction and exchange of know how of Romanian, Norwegian and other international stakeholders.
Summary of project results
Urban INC - the Urban Investigation Centre aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Creative Room Association and its partners to conduct research and develop programmes as a think-tank in the field of urban and regional development in Romania. The project invested key resources in creating an enabling environment for other entities in Romania in the field of urban and regional development, so that the sector would develop and be able to have more informed and proactive actions. One of the main activities was refurbishing a space in downtown Bucharest (housed in the former industrial platform known as the “Cotton Industry”, located at 160 Splaiul Unirii), which functions as a meeting hub and growing resource center, with free access to GIS (Geographic Information System) software, selected publications and collections. The Urban INC design and spatial planning was completed: the 230 square meters area has benefited of several investment works: construction, installation and replacement of electrical installations, plumbing, heating and carpentry work to replace exterior windows. In addition, the necessary furniture and equipment was purchased - everything that the target groups needed (laptop, desktop, publications and books related to the library, software). The refurbishment of the space has been co-financed by NOD Makerspace Association. In order to start the consolidation process of a community around the Urban Investigation Centre, 5 events were organised. The events featured several international guests and were designed as an "inspirational breakfast" on less visible issues related to urban development (urban festivals, practices and theories of change, circular economy and innovation, urban regeneration). In addition to this, a roundtable was held in Cluj, hosted by Casa Tiff, in partnership with the Federation of Metropolitan Areas in Romania. 216 persons took part at roundtables in Bucharest and Cluj. The communication campaign reached 75,000 people, among which 1,846 persons have directly participated in events, online contests and radio events. Also, 90 volunteers were involved in the activities. During only 10 months, the promoter also secured strategic national and international partnerships, which include the London School of Economics, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, ARCUB (Bucharest Cultural Center), the Federation of Metropolitan Areas in Romania, setting the basis for an affiliated network around The Urban INC.
Summary of bilateral results
Creative Room's cooperation with the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR) was a highlight of another project and key to further developing the promoter's work as a think tank. It includes knowledge exchange on theories and practice of change in cities, which are reflected in the contents of the two research studies that were produced during the implementation. The partnership has also included ad hoc cooperation and an exchange visit, when NIBR was invited as guest speaker within the series of Urban Talks organised in April. These were important activities in order to test the reactions of the community around Urban INC to international exchanges and best practices. Collaboration within joint programming initiatives (JPI Urban Europe) and setting up an ecosystem of organisations working for change through action research and urban living labs are part of a common plan between the Romanian and Norwegian organisations.