Adaptive re-use of rooftops for climate resilience and urban innovation

How can cities unlock underused rooftops as multifunctional spaces for climate adaptation, biodiversity and social value?

Cities face growing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, urban densification and limited public space. Rooftops represent a largely untapped resource that can contribute to resilient, sustainable and liveable cities.

The City of Antwerp is relaunching DAKkan, an urban innovation programme that aims to explore and activate the potential of rooftops for climate adaptation and urban transformation through public engagement.

Project idea

We are interested in developing a collaborative project around the adaptive reuse and multifunctional activation of urban rooftops.

What Antwerp can offer

• A living lab environment within a large European city

• Access to a diverse portfolio of potential rooftop locations

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and citizen participation

• Strong connections with local public authorities and urban actors

• Commitment to testing and demonstrating innovative solutions

Partners sought

We are looking for:

• Research institutions and universities

• Cities and public authorities

• Architecture and urban design firms

• Technology providers

• Experts in climate adaptation, urban resilience and nature-based solutions

• Organisations experienced in citizen engagement and co-creation

We welcome partners interested in jointly shaping a DUT proposal and building an interdisciplinary consortium that can generate practical impact for climate-neutral and resilient cities.