The Epicenter of Sustainable Innovation in Urban Architecture

**The Epicenter of Sustainable Innovation in Urban Architecture**

In the aftermath of two days of intense debate and sharing, the NBS Summit Urban Edition concluded its first edition with great success at the Super Bock Arena in Porto. The event, which attracted over 500 participants, featured numerous specialists and international leaders in urban sustainability, providing a platform for discussion and innovation for the future of cities.

The NBS Summit Urban Edition began with the Deputy Mayor of Porto, Filipe Araújo, reaffirming the city's commitment to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure. This was followed by Rúben Fernandes from Águas e Energia do Porto, who highlighted successful applications of these solutions. Notable speakers included Francisco Rocha Antunes, Menno Lammers, Luigi Petito, Paulo Palha, Steven L. Peck, Kevin Halpenny, João Torres, and José Miguel Lameiras. Additionally, Filipe Mesquita (This is Pacifica) presented the launch of the new brand GREENROOFS® Innovated by the National Green Roof Association.

On the second day, Martin Kostal, Edmund Maurer, Jürgen Preiss, and Filipe Araújo presented practical examples of urban sustainability from Brno, Vienna, and Porto. Landscape architects Per Malmos, Laura Gatti, Valentina Galiulo, João Vaz, and João Jesus highlighted the role of design in urban sustainability.

Throughout the two-day event, masterclasses by Kongjian Yu and Nuno Brandão Costa were standout moments, marked by the depth of discussions and insights offered. Brandão Costa, a Porto-based architect, shared valuable reflections on integrating NBS into urban architecture, highlighting his award-winning Campanhã Intermodal Terminal as an example of successful urban regeneration. Kongjian Yu, one of the most influential landscape architects today, emphasized the urgency of creating greener and more resilient urban environments. Citing recent examples from Dubai and Rio Grande do Sul, Yu presented a set of innovative solutions that effectively balance the needs of contemporary architectural landscapes with the necessary resilience for sustainable urbanism. His presentation culminated in a standing ovation, inspiring a new generation of professionals to adopt sustainable practices. His conference ended with warm applause, underscoring the profound impact of Yu's ideas and inspiring a new generation of professionals to embrace sustainable practices.