New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Initiative category

Identify the award category for which this initiative is being submitted
Regaining a sense of belonging

Email user
mirko.boskovic@gmail.com

Basic information
Initiative title
We could. Now, we have to.

Full initiative Title
VR, AR and photo exhibition about the urban planning in Montenegro and Western Balkans

Please provide a short, catchy description of your initiative to be used in communication towards the public.
What would be our lifestyle if we respected all the Detailed, Spatial Urban plans developed during 80s or 90s?
In just 30 years many of the cities had their population increased twice. Like Podgorica which had 50k citizens and currently there is more than 250k inhabitants.Was such a growth foreseen 30-40 years ago?Yes, it was. We will show you in the unique VR, AR and photo exhibitions where would we live today if used the cultural architectural treasure of urban planning developed for us.

What was the geographical scope of your intiative?
Regional

Where was your intiative implemented?
Member State(s) and Western Balkans
Montenegro

If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
Podgorica, Cetinje, Belgrade, Tirana, Niksic, Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, Novi Pazar, Rozaje...

Does your initiative address mainly urban or rural issues?
It addresses urban-rural linkages

Does your initiative refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Has your initiative benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your initiative won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

Does your initiative has a minimum level of maturity? The minimum level of maturity is exemplified by stakeholder/ initiative promoter commitment to implement the initiative in practice and a clear methodology /approach.
Yes

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As an individual in partnership with other persons
Please provide the contact details for the intiative promoter (the individual or representative of the organisation authorised to represent the intiative).
- First name: Mirko
  Last name: Boskovic
  Gender: Male
  Nationality: Montenegro
  If relevant, please select your other nationality: Montenegro
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Ivana Vujosevica 14
  Town: Podgorica
  Postal code: 81000
  Country: Montenegro
  Direct Tel: +382 69 155 589
  E-mail: mirko.boskovic@gmail.com
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
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In case my initiative is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my initiative in the channels of the European Commission.
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
New European Bauhaus or European Commission websites

Description of the initiative
Please provide a summary of your initiative
Creating 3D models based on urban planning is a useful tool for visualizing the potential development of cities, to see the future that we could have if we respected the plans that were created 30 years ago. In the case of Montenegro, there is an opportunity to use an old urban plan that was developed but never implemented. This plan can serve as a starting point for creating 3D models that can help to better understand the potential impact of the development on the city and compare it to the state of our urban environment today.
The process of creating these 3D models starts with obtaining a digital copy of the old urban plan from 80s and using software to create a 3D representation of the proposed development. The 3D model can then be used to visualize the potential impact of the development on the city, including the changes to the existing buildings, the impact on traffic patterns, and the potential for new green spaces. Than, it would be all merged with the present reality.
This project would explore architectural heritage of WB region cities, especially those which had the biggest developments in recent 30 years.
In addition to serving as a visual representation of the development, the 3D models can also be used to analyze the potential impact of the development on the environment. For example, the models can be used to calculate the potential impact of the development on air quality, water resources, and soil stability and compare it with the data of the present.
The team would first conduct extensive research on the urban plan developed 30 years ago and the current state of the cities and places across WB. This research would be used to determine the key differences between the original urban plan and the current state of the cities and places, as well as to identify areas where significant environmental damage has taken place.

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with 5 key words.
Future

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Urban

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Environment

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Architecture

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Heritage

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of sustainability and how these have been/will be met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
The team of 3D and CGI designers would use the results of experienced research team to create an interactive, immersive virtual environment showcasing the cities and places as they were originally planned, and as they are now. The VR and AR elements of the exhibition would allow visitors to experience the changes in the environment over time and to see the impact that neglecting the environment has had on the cities and places.

The storytelling experts would then work to create an engaging narrative that highlights the key message of the exhibition - that we need to act now to protect the environment for future generations. The story would be woven into the virtual environment, guiding visitors through the exhibit and highlighting key points and areas of interest.

Finally, the architects would work with the designers to ensure that the virtual environment is not only visually stunning but also functional, with the appropriate lighting, sound, and other design elements to create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors. The photo and graphics designers would create additional materials, such as posters, brochures, and multimedia presentations, to further reinforce the key message of the exhibition.

In conclusion, the development of this VR, AR, and photo/graphics exhibition would be a collaborative effort between experienced professionals with a shared goal of raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and highlighting the consequences of neglecting it. The exhibition would serve as a powerful call to action, encouraging visitors to act now to preserve the environment for future generations.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
The key objectives of our initiative in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience are to create an immersive, visually stunning, and emotionally engaging environment that transports visitors to a virtual world. Through design, we aim to evoke positive emotions and cultural benefits by showcasing the original urban plan and its impact on the environment, while also highlighting the potential for a better future through responsible environmental management.

To meet these objectives, we have assembled a team of experts in storytelling, 3D and CGI design, architecture, and research. Our designers have created an interactive virtual environment that showcases the cities and places of WB as they were originally planned, as well as how they look today. The VR and AR elements allow visitors to experience the changes in the environment over time and to see the impact of neglecting the environment.

The storytelling experts have woven an engaging narrative into the virtual environment, highlighting the key message of the exhibition and guiding visitors through the exhibit. The architects have worked to ensure that the virtual environment is not only visually stunning but also functional, with the appropriate lighting, sound, and other design elements to create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.

Our initiative can be exemplary in this context as it brings together the latest technology and design techniques to create a unique and memorable experience for visitors. It also highlights the importance of environmental responsibility and serves as a powerful call to action, encouraging visitors to act now to preserve the environment for future generations.

In conclusion, our initiative is designed to meet the highest standards of aesthetics and quality of experience, offering visitors an immersive, visually stunning, and emotionally engaging environment that showcases the impact of environmental neglect and the potential for a better future.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
The key objective of our initiative in terms of inclusion is to ensure that the VR, AR, and photo/graphics exhibition is accessible and affordable for all, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This includes ensuring that the exhibition is designed with accessibility in mind, including for those with disabilities, and that it is priced in a way that makes it accessible to everyone.

To meet this objective, we have taken a number of steps, including working with accessibility experts to ensure that the exhibition is designed with accessibility in mind and is usable by people with disabilities. This includes features such as audio descriptions, captioning, and large text options for visually impaired visitors.

Additionally, we have priced the exhibition in a way that makes it affordable for all, with reduced rates for students, seniors, and low-income individuals. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the exhibition and learn about the impact of environmental neglect and the potential for a better future.

In conclusion, our initiative is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all, and to promote a more equitable and just society. Through our focus on accessibility and affordability, we hope to serve as an example for other initiatives in the field, and to encourage other organizations to prioritize inclusion in their work.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the initiative and civil society have been/will be involved in the initiative and what has been/will be the impact of this involvement on the initiative
Citizens and civil society play a crucial role in our initiative, as they are both the beneficiaries and the driving force behind the effort to preserve the environment. To ensure that the initiative is truly representative of the needs and concerns of the community, we have taken several steps to involve citizens and civil society in the development and implementation of the VR, AR, and photo/graphics exhibition.

One of the key ways that citizens and civil society have been involved is through a series of public consultations and engagement events, where we have solicited feedback on the exhibition's design and content, as well as on the overall initiative. This feedback has been used to shape the exhibition, ensuring that it accurately reflects the needs and concerns of the community and that it is accessible and meaningful to all visitors.

In addition to public consultations, we have also partnered with local community organizations and environmental groups to promote the exhibition and to engage local residents in the initiative. These partnerships have provided us with valuable insights into the needs and concerns of the community, and have helped us to reach a wider audience and to build support for the initiative.

The impact of citizen and civil society involvement in the initiative has been significant, both in terms of the quality and impact of the exhibition, as well as in terms of its impact on the broader community. By involving citizens and civil society in the development of the initiative, we have ensured that it is truly representative of the community's needs and concerns, and that it serves as a powerful call to action for all members of the community to take action to preserve the environment.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the initiative.
We are still negotiating with various partners regarding this initiative.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your initiative. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was
The design and implementation of our initiative involved a diverse range of disciplines, including storytelling experts, 3D and CGI designers and creators, architects, and researchers. These different fields brought their unique perspectives and skills to the table, creating a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to the initiative.

Representatives of these different fields worked closely together throughout the design and implementation process, exchanging ideas, insights, and feedback, and leveraging each other's strengths to create a truly impactful and innovative initiative. This interdisciplinary collaboration was essential to the success of the initiative, as it allowed us to bring together a wide range of perspectives and expertise to address the complex challenges posed by urban planning and environmental preservation.

The added value of this process was immense, as it allowed us to create a more comprehensive and well-rounded initiative that was informed by the latest research and best practices from multiple disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach allowed us to create an initiative that was truly representative of the needs and concerns of the community, and that was grounded in the latest knowledge and expertise from multiple fields.

In conclusion, the interdisciplinary collaboration that took place during the design and implementation of our initiative was critical to its success, as it allowed us to bring together a wide range of perspectives and expertise to address complex challenges and to create a truly innovative and impactful initiative.

Please highlight the innovative character of the initiative, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the initiative
Our initiative stands out as a truly innovative and cutting-edge effort in the field of urban planning and environmental preservation. Compared to mainstream actions in this field, our initiative stands out for several key reasons:

First, the use of VR, AR, and photo/graphics technology sets our initiative apart from more traditional efforts, as it provides visitors with an immersive, interactive experience that allows them to see and feel the impact of environmental neglect, and to envision a better future. This innovative approach to storytelling and education has the potential to reach a wider audience and to have a more lasting impact than traditional methods.

Second, our focus on accessibility and affordability is also highly innovative, as it ensures that the initiative is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This is a unique approach in the field, and has the potential to serve as a model for other initiatives that aim to promote environmental preservation and sustainable urban planning.

Third, our emphasis on citizen and civil society involvement is also highly innovative, as it ensures that the initiative truly represents the needs and concerns of the community, and that it is driven by the people who will be most affected by the changes it seeks to promote. This bottom-up approach to environmental preservation is highly innovative and has the potential to serve as a model for other initiatives that aim to promote social change and impactful activism.

In conclusion, our initiative is highly innovative and sets a new standard for urban planning and environmental preservation efforts. Through our use of cutting-edge technology, our focus on accessibility and affordability, and our emphasis on citizen and civil society involvement, we are creating a truly impactful and innovative initiative that has the potential to inspire change and to serve as a model for other initiatives in the field.

Please describe which elements of your initiative could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and contexts. This may involve, for example, aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings, etc.
This would be developed in next phase.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your initiative.
We are still working on methodology.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the initiative addresses by providing local solutions
The initiative addresses a range of global challenges related to urban planning and environmental preservation. By providing local solutions, it seeks to address these challenges at the local level, where they have the greatest impact on communities and citizens.

One of the key challenges addressed by the initiative is the negative impact of urbanization on the environment. This can include issues such as air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of natural resources. The initiative provides local solutions to these problems by promoting sustainable urban planning practices that prioritize the preservation of the environment and the well-being of communities.

Another global challenge addressed by the initiative is the lack of public awareness and engagement in environmental issues. The initiative seeks to address this challenge by providing an immersive and interactive educational experience that engages visitors and encourages them to take action in support of environmental preservation.

Finally, the initiative also addresses the issue of inequality in access to environmental information and resources. By providing an accessible and affordable exhibition that is open to everyone, the initiative ensures that all members of the community have the opportunity to learn about and engage with environmental issues, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

In conclusion, the initiative addresses a range of global challenges related to urban planning and environmental preservation by providing local solutions that have a direct and immediate impact on communities and citizens. Through its focus on sustainable urban planning, public engagement, and access for all, the initiative seeks to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Please detail the scope of progress in the implementation of the initiative. This can include already demonstrated results/outputs related to the chosen Prizes category, and the already achieved benefits from the initiative for direct and indirect beneficiaries. This can also include a development plan of the initiative, with a particular attention to the steps envisaged in the year following the application, and including envisaged results and benefits from the initiative
The results can be provided only in the next phase since the initiative is still in development. We would work with professionals from company pureblink from Canada.

Please provide documents that demonstrate the maturity level of the initiative and commitment to implement the initiative in practice (e.g.: evaluation report, final or mid-term initiative report, certification, publications, building permit, grant agreement, letter of support, partnership agreement, etc.)
Web link
Web link
- http://www.mehanizam.me
If relevant, please describe how your initiative contributes to developing new competences, especially in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability.
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Please attach at least 6 high resolution images or visual representations of your initiative to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below.
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By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that you are not in in one or more of the exclusion situations foreseen under Article 136 of the Financial Regulation.
Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed initiative has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the initiative and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their initiatives, initiative, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted initiative, initiative is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes