Bridging Theory and Practice: Third GreenFORCE Winter School hosted by Co-PLAN and POLIS University in Tirana
From February 17 to 21, students, researchers, and urban practitioners gathered in Tirana for the GreenFORCE International Winter School. Organized by Co-PLAN (the leading partner of the project), in collaboration with POLIS University and several international partners, the Winter School explored how Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can be co-created at the neighborhood level to support the Green Transition.
The journey began with a series of online lectures featuring esteemed researchers and experts from Sweden, Italy, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania. These sessions set the stage for the in-person segment in Tirana, equipping students with the theoretical foundation to understand and apply NBS principles.
Upon arrival in Tirana, participants were welcomed at POLIS University by Prof. Dr. Besnik Aliaj, Rector of POLIS University, who emphasized the importance of international exchanges in shaping better urban policies and strengthening academic collaboration in environmental and planning disciplines. The introductory discussions were enriched by an engaging presentation from Dr. Doriana Musai, who took the participants on a visual and analytical journey through Tirana’s urban transformation over the years. Students were introduced to a role-playing exercise, which served as a creative primer for their upcoming fieldwork—an opportunity to conceptualize and experiment with different NBS design principles.
As the week unfolded, the Winter School became a dynamic space for exploration and hands-on learning. A guided walking tour of Tirana provided deeper insights into the city’s urban form, development patterns, and spatial challenges, reinforcing the need for innovative, localized interventions. Divided into working groups and accompanied by their assigned mentors, students conducted on-site observations in different neighborhoods, collecting data on public spaces, environmental performance, and community needs. This fieldwork laid the groundwork for the collaborative design phase, where participants mapped out challenges and started formulating NBS-driven solutions.
The studio-based sessions at POLIS University, on the following days provided the necessary environment for reflection and creativity. With guidance from lecturers, students engaged in scenario development, balancing ecological, social, and economic factors to propose feasible interventions for their assigned neighborhoods. Through a blend of critical discussions and hands-on design work, they shaped innovative strategies that could contribute to greener, more resilient urban spaces.
The participants in the Winter School met with representatives from the Municipality of Tirana, including Genci Kojdheli, General Director of Integration, Strategic Planning, and Economic Development. This interactive session delved into the city’s ongoing efforts to integrate green transition principles into urban development, the importance of community trust in energy efficiency initiatives, and the challenges of balancing rapid growth with sustainable approaches. The dialogue provided students with valuable insights into real-world governance and policy implementation, reinforcing the practical relevance of their proposals.
During the final pitching session, students presented their proposals to a panel of lecturers, where they demonstrated remarkable creativity and strategic thinking, showcasing how NBS can be effectively integrated at the neighborhood level. Under the guidance of Dr. Kejt Dhrami, the event wrapped up with a fun voting exercise, where participants engaged in a lighthearted yet thoughtful selection of the most impactful scenarios. The week-long journey concluded with a certificate award ceremony and a celebratory toast, marking the success of this enriching learning experience.
The 3rd GreenFORCE Winter School once again highlighted the power of collaboration, critical thinking, and localized action in driving urban sustainability. It fostered an environment where innovative ideas could emerge and be tested against real urban challenges.
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