Roots Intelligence Experience is an integrated territorial demonstration that transforms the built environment, living heritage and social cohesion in the Iberian border region. The “Mother Route” functions as a living laboratory where buildings, communities and local actors become active agents of territorial regeneration. The project combines inclusion, knowledge, community energy, accessible mobility, sustainable tourism and social innovation, creating a replicable model for low‑density territories across Europe.

The initiative integrates circular and regenerative solutions for community buildings, public spaces and vertical structures, promoting sustainable thermal comfort, regenerative maintenance, and new uses for heritage assets. The approach mobilises municipalities, associations, SMEs, universities and citizens, strengthening democratic participation and territorial justice.

Aligned with the principles of the New European Bauhaus — sustainable, inclusive and beautiful — the Roots Intelligence Experience contributes to the green transition, social cohesion and local economic development. The project demonstrates how the regeneration of the built environment can generate environmental, social, economic and cultural impact, creating more resilient, empowered and energy‑autonomous communities.

2. OBJECTIVES (EN)

General Objective

To demonstrate an integrated model of territorial regeneration that combines the built environment, social inclusion, clean energy and community‑driven innovation, applicable to low‑density regions across Europe.

Specific Objectives

 

1. Rehabilitate and transform community buildings using circular, efficient and accessible solutions.

2. Create and strengthen local energy communities, promoting autonomy and energy justice.

3. Develop local skills through certified training for guides, leaders and territorial agents.

4. Activate cultural and natural heritage as drivers of sustainable development.

5. Promote democratic participation in decision‑making processes related to the built environment.

6. Demonstrate innovative vertical‑space solutions in historical and community structures.

7. Generate local economic impact through regional value chains and regenerative tourism.

3. RELEVANCE TO THE CALL (EN)

(Direct alignment with the three NEB 2026 topics)

The Roots Intelligence Experience fully addresses the destination “Circular and regenerative approaches for the built environment” of the NEB 2026 Call.

Topic 1 — Sustainable thermal comfort

The project applies accessible and inclusive energy‑efficiency solutions in community buildings, heritage structures and shared spaces, ensuring thermal comfort for all users, including vulnerable groups.

Topic 2 — Sustainable maintenance and repair

It mobilises local value chains — carpenters, masons, electricians, SMEs — to implement regenerative maintenance practices, extending building lifespan and reducing operational costs.

Topic 3 — Innovative use of vertical space

It reactivates towers, viewpoints, historical structures and community buildings, creating new cultural, educational and social uses aligned with the NEB vision of spaces that are beautiful, functional and inclusive.

The project integrates built environment, energy, community and heritage, offering a replicable demonstration for other European territories.

4. IMPACT (EN)

Environmental Impact

• Emission reduction through renewable energy and thermal efficiency.

• Sustainable rehabilitation of buildings and public spaces.

• Regeneration of heritage and cultural landscapes.

Social Impact

• Democratic participation and community engagement.

• Inclusion of vulnerable groups and universal accessibility.

• Strengthening of territorial identity and social cohesion.

Economic Impact

• Creation of qualified local employment.

• Retention of economic value within the territory.

• Regenerative tourism and circular economy models.

Technical Impact

• Replicable and scalable solutions.

• Smart energy‑management systems.

• Innovative models for maintenance and vertical‑space use.

5. EXCELLENCE (EN)

The Roots Intelligence Experience demonstrates excellence by integrating, within a single model, the regeneration of the built environment, community energy, social inclusion, heritage activation and territorial innovation. The approach is transdisciplinary, participatory and evidence‑based, combining technical expertise, local knowledge and cultural practices.

The project introduces:

• a new community‑driven model of territorial regeneration

• circular and accessible solutions applied to existing buildings

• social innovation as a driver of the green transition

• heritage activation as future‑oriented infrastructure

• certified capacity‑building for local actors

• a living laboratory replicable across Europe

6. IMPLEMENTATION / WORK PACKAGES (EN)

WP1 — Project Management and Coordination

Governance, reporting, ethics, risk management, communication with the European Commission.

WP2 — Territorial Diagnosis and Community Co‑Design

Mapping of buildings, needs and opportunities; participatory processes; stakeholder engagement.

WP3 — Circular and Regenerative Solutions for the Built Environment

Sustainable rehabilitation, thermal comfort, regenerative maintenance, innovative vertical‑space uses.

WP4 — Community Energy and Smart Systems

Renewable‑energy integration, self‑consumption, energy communities, smart‑management systems.

WP5 — Heritage, Culture and Regenerative Tourism

Activation of cultural spaces, routes, narratives, certified training for guides and leaders.

WP6 — Social, Economic and Territorial Impact

Monitoring, indicators, evaluation, replicability, dissemination at European level.