05.07.2025
Establishing Demand Laboratories (D-labs) in four European neighbourhoods within the BARRIO Project
Within the BARRIO project, which promotes integrated renovation of buildings and neighbourhoods through innovative business models and industrialised solutions, the project partners have launched so-called Demand Laboratories (D-labs) in four pilot locations: Ravne na Koroškem (Slovenia), Valencia (Spain), Gabrovo (Bulgaria), and Emilia-Romagna (Italy).
Demand Laboratories represent a novel approach to activating local communities in neighbourhood renovation processes. Their purpose is to create a safe space for collaboration among residents, local authorities, experts, and other stakeholders, with a focus on understanding the needs, barriers, and motivations of citizens regarding energy renovation of buildings. Activities include workshops, surveys, interviews, and pilot events that help co-design the content of the digital DMT (Defragmentation Multidisciplinary Toolkit).
The report “Report on Activation and Mobilisation of BARRIO Demand Laboratories“ documents specific methods, communication strategies, and key insights from the initial events held in each of the four countries. Findings highlight the importance of early resident engagement, the proactive role of local actors, and the value of tailored communication approaches.
The establishment of the Demand Labs marks an important step towards more inclusive and sustainable neighbourhood renovations that consider local community needs and contribute to the decarbonisation of Europe’s building stock.
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