IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section A
Abstract
Mediterranean urban waterfronts are increasingly exposed to climate change-related risks, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. These challenges intersect with spatial and socio-economic pressures such as high and rapid urbanization, land-use fragmentation, and real estate-driven development. In this context, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are emerging as tools for sustainable regeneration, offering multifunctional benefits related to flood mitigation, biodiversity restoration, and public space enhancement. However, the application of NbS in the Mediterranean remains limited. Compared to other European regions, such as Northern Europe, Mediterranean cities often lack integrated policy frameworks and governance mechanisms necessary to support the implementation of such approaches. The combination of dense urban fabrics and constrained historical waterfront areas further restricts the use of large-scale ecological interventions. This study identifies three main strategies that can be adapted to the Mediterranean context: (1) enhancing waterfront for biodiversity and resilience enhancement; (2) restoring degraded natural areas adjacent to waterfronts; and (3) promoting urban permeability to improve stormwater management. These approaches often require hybridization with engineered infrastructure and spatial integration. The findings emphasize the need for planning approaches that address the specific morphological, institutional, and climatic conditions of the Mediterranean region. Aligning NbS with local governance structures and long-term adaptation goals is essential to promote more resilient, inclusive, and livable urban waterfronts.
Sara Marzio is an Architect and Marie Curie Actions PhD Fellow at Instituto Superior Técnico , working within GEOTPU.LAB and a member of CITUA. She holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture for Sustainability Design. Her research, developed within the GreeNexUs project, focuses on the green regeneration of urbanized waterfronts, exploring Nature-based Solutions and strategies for enhancing urban resilience and sustainability. Her work aims to integrate sustainable strategies into territorial and urban transformation processes.
Francesca Poggi is a Social-Humanities Scientist and Architect-Urbanist with a Master’s in Building Engineering-Architecture from the University of Bologna. She began her research career at GEOTPU.Lab (NOVA FCT) in 2011, focusing on sustainable urban planning and net-zero energy buildings. She later pursued a PhD and postdoc on energy, territory, and nature-based solutions. Currently an Integrated Researcher at CICS.NOVA and Invited Assistant Professor at FCSH-UNL, she leads and contributes to major EU projects like MOSAIC and GREENEXUS. Francesca has 37 publications, has received six research awards, and actively mentors students while contributing as a journal reviewer and guest editor.
Miguel Amado is a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Tecnico of University of Lisbon. He is a researcher at CiTUA and responsible for the research group GEOTPU.LAB. Amado holds a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon, a Specialist in Rehabilitation of Urban Centre’s from UNESCO MBA/ARCA, a Master’s in Spatial Planning and Environmental Planning and a PhD in Environmental Engineering by NOVA University. His research lines at IST are centred on City Transformation; Adaptive housing as a model for Sustainable Habitat; Methodologies for the regeneration of informal urban areas for developing countries, Urban Policies, Nature-based solutions and Methodologies for decision-making.
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday 17th July, 2025