{"id":135457,"date":"2026-04-27T15:51:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T12:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vidzeme.lv\/ilgtspeja-ka-vertiba-nevis-projekts-smiltene-diskute-par-praktisku-pieeju-dzives-vides-veidosanai\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T14:49:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T11:49:19","slug":"ilgtspeja-ka-vertiba-nevis-projekts-smiltene-diskute-par-praktisku-pieeju-dzives-vides-veidosanai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vidzeme.lv\/en\/ilgtspeja-ka-vertiba-nevis-projekts-smiltene-diskute-par-praktisku-pieeju-dzives-vides-veidosanai\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability as a value, not a project: discussions in Smiltene on a practical approach to shaping living environments"},"content":{"rendered":"

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On 23 April, the fifth regional stakeholder meeting of the Interreg Europe project \u201c<\/em>PIloting COllaborative ways to BEtter Living LOcally ” (PICOBELLO)<\/em> took place in Smiltene. The event focused on the theme \u201cThe New European Bauhaus in Vidzeme \u2013 Recommendations for Developing Relevant Policies.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

The meeting was opened by PICOBELLO project expert Kri\u0161j\u0101nis Pundurs<\/strong>, who provided an overview of the project\u2019s progress and achievements to date. He also reflected on the previous regional stakeholder meeting in Gulbene and the lessons learned during study visits to Amsterdam and Katowice. Particular emphasis was placed on the placemaking approach, which puts people, their needs, and inclusive, accessible environments at the centre of development, while also highlighting the importance of connections\u2014not only physical, but social as well.<\/p>\n

Further insights from the partner meeting in Katowice, Poland, were presented by Laima \u0160mite-\u016adre<\/strong>, Landscape Architect at the Municipality of Gulbene. She highlighted several ways in which the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB)<\/strong> are being implemented in practice across Europe and discussed the lessons that municipalities in the Vidzeme Planning Region can draw from these examples.<\/p>\n

In her presentation, she emphasised sustainable development approaches that make use of academic potential by linking student innovations with real societal needs. She also shared examples from Spain and Poland, where former industrial areas have been revitalised and adapted for new purposes. Community engagement and placemaking were identified as essential elements in creating high-quality living environments, illustrated by examples such as the \u201cfood forest\u201d initiative in Greece and the experience of Smiltene, where residents actively contribute to shaping urban spaces. Additional attention was given to the transformation of industrial heritage from a perceived burden into a valuable resource through its conversion into cultural and public spaces, as well as to various initiatives supporting education, health, and well-being. L. \u0160mite-\u016adre stressed that creating a safe, collaborative, and attractive environment for local residents naturally enhances the appeal and resilience of the wider region.<\/p>\n

To demonstrate how places with strong historical and cultural significance can be successfully adapted to contemporary urban life, participants visited the J\u0101\u0146ukalns Open-Air Stage<\/strong> in Smiltene, a notable example of community participation. The restoration of the venue was made possible through the joint efforts of residents, local businesses, and the municipality, who contributed through volunteer work, practical involvement, and financial donations. As a result, the site has evolved into a modern cultural and social gathering space.<\/p>\n

Inese Pried\u012bte<\/strong>, Director of the Smiltene Cultural Centre, emphasised that despite the challenges associated with maintaining the venue, it remains an important part of Smiltene\u2019s identity and cultural heritage, carrying significant intangible value for the local community.<\/p>\n

The main objective of the meeting was to develop recommendations for policy documents aligned with the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, in line with the goals of the PICOBELLO project. However, participants acknowledged that strategic concepts are often best understood through practical, existing, and implementable solutions. Consequently, the group work focused on translating the New European Bauhaus concept and its values into practical actions, identifying concrete measures and existing challenges.<\/p>\n

Participants noted that many initiatives already being implemented in the Vidzeme Planning Region\u2014including inclusive tourism, nature education, the preservation of local culture, and efforts to strengthen community resilience\u2014already reflect the principles of the New European Bauhaus, regardless of whether they are formally labelled as such. Since the three core NEB principles are open to interpretation, participants agreed that greater emphasis should be placed on practical solutions rather than terminology, ensuring that implementation does not become an unnecessary administrative burden.<\/p>\n

The discussions identified two priority areas for future action, particularly highlighted by municipal specialists working in the fields of culture and urban design:<\/p>\n