Sustainable and Circular Street Furniture

Our SME is an Italian manufacturer specialising in sustainable and circular street furniture, focusing on designing elements that boost functionality, comfort, inclusiveness, and aesthetics in outdoor spaces. In a previous Horizon Europe-funded project, we cooperated to develop a 100% recyclable bench made of a new circular composite material. We can effectively provide evidence on the uses of street furniture, demonstrating how co-creation in its design can inform procurement processes. This approach aims to enhance the quality of experience, safety, security, sustainability, resilience to climate change, and inclusiveness within neighbourhoods through street furniture.

here are the specific topics where Atelier 23 can contribute:

1. Destination: Connecting the Green Transformation, Social Inclusion, and Local Democracy

This destination focuses on the "social fabric" of neighborhoods. Lab23’s products are designed specifically as "sharing places" rather than just utility items.

• Relevant Topic: HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-PARTICIPATION-02: Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods.

  • Contribution: Lab23 can provide modular and artistic urban furniture (benches, meeting areas, and "Urban Smart Living" modules) that encourage social interaction and community gathering. Their focus on "sensations and states of mind" through design aligns with the NEB's goal of improving well-being and a sense of belonging in public spaces.

• Specific Objective: Beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive street furniture for the transformation of neighbourhoods.

  • Contribution: This is Lab23’s core business. They can contribute by providing furniture that integrates nature (planters), accessibility (inclusive seating), and beauty into the daily urban landscape.

2. Destination: Circular and Regenerative Approaches for the Built Environment

The NEB Facility 2026 heavily emphasizes the "circular economy" and the use of sustainable materials.

• Relevant Topic: HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-REGEN-03: Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space.

  • Contribution: Lab23’s expertise in planters and green-integrated structures (like tree grilles and vertical elements) can be used to restore biodiversity and improve air quality in dense urban settings, contributing to "Urban Nature" restoration.

• Relevant Topic: HORIZON-MISS-2026-04-CIT-NEB-B4P-CCRI-03: Introducing circular economy models in the construction sector.

  • Contribution: Lab23 already utilizes materials like Corten steel, stainless steel, and exotic woods designed for durability and 100% recyclability. They can contribute to this topic by demonstrating "Design for Disassembly" (modular benches like the Variations series) and life-cycle sustainability in urban hardware.

3. Destination: Innovative Funding and New Business Models

This destination looks at how to scale NEB solutions and reuse underutilized spaces.

• Relevant Topic: HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-BUSINESS-03: Approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces.

  • Contribution: Lab23’s "Urban Smart Living" products (integrated charging stations, smart benches, and modular pavilions) can be used to quickly "re-activate" vacant lots or underused squares, transforming them into digital hubs or community gardens without the need for permanent, heavy construction.