AccesS showcases accessible e-mobility at Power2Drive Europe 2026

Jul 28, 2026

From 23–25 June 2026, our partners from Hive Power represented the project at Power2Drive Europe 2026 in Munich, Germany. As part of The smarter E Europe, the event is one of Europe's leading exhibitions for electric mobility and charging infrastructure, bringing together innovators, industry leaders and policymakers to shape the future of sustainable mobility.

Power2Drive provided an ideal opportunity to present the project's work on accessible e-mobility. As leader of this area within AccesS, Hive Power demonstrated how electric vehicles can be intelligently integrated into building energy management systems, enabling charging strategies that respond to both user needs and grid conditions. Rather than functioning as isolated charging points, electric vehicles become active components of an interconnected and energy-efficient building ecosystem.

The technologies developed by Hive Power are currently being demonstrated at two of the project's six pilot sites, located in Switzerland and the Netherlands, where they are helping validate smart charging strategies under real operating conditions. At the conference, Hive Power highlighted how accessible e-mobility can become an integral part of smart and inclusive buildings by extending accessibility beyond the design of physical spaces to include the way buildings interact with mobility services and energy systems.

By participating in Power2Drive Europe 2026, AccesS strengthened its visibility within the European e-mobility community and promoted its vision of a future where accessibility, digitalisation and sustainable energy systems evolve together to create more inclusive built environments. Special thanks to the organisers and our dear partners from Hive Power.

AccesS represented at the ECTP Conference 2026!

Jul 21, 2026

Last May, our partners from IsZEB (Afroditi Zamanidou) represented AccesS at the ECTP Conference 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.

The event brought together key stakeholders from across Europe's construction and built environment sectors, including industry representatives, research organisations, public authorities and innovation clusters, to discuss the future of sustainable and innovative construction.

This year's conference focused on three major priorities shaping the next generation of European research and innovation:

creating a resilient, decarbonised and regenerative built environment;
promoting inclusive, healthy and human-centred spaces; and
strengthening a competitive, digitalised and circular construction value chain.

As an Emerging Built4People Innovation Cluster (B4PIC) and partner of the AccesS project, IsZEB used the event to promote the project's objectives, strengthen its visibility within the Built4People community and connect with organisations working on complementary initiatives.

Throughout the conference, AccesS was showcased through project dissemination materials, including a roll-up banner and flyers displayed in the exhibition area.

One of the conference highlights was the session dedicated to the continued development of the B4PIC Network, which now brings together 34 innovation clusters from 21 countries across Europe and beyond.

The session concluded with the official signing ceremony welcoming three new Emerging B4PICs—ARIC Cluster, DICE and Xylofutur—further strengthening the European network of regional innovation ecosystems committed to a sustainable, climate-neutral and people-centred built environment.

Beyond the conference sessions, the event provided valuable opportunities to engage with researchers, industry representatives and fellow innovation clusters. These discussions helped reinforce AccesS's position within the Built4People Partnership, identify potential synergies with related initiatives and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

Participation in the ECTP Conference 2026 reflects AccesS's continued commitment to engaging with the European innovation community and ensuring that the project's results contribute to the wider transition towards a more accessible, sustainable and inclusive built environment.

AccesS featured in Rivista del Caffè Michelangiolo: exploring the challenge of invisible accessibility at the Brancacci Chapel

Jul 17, 2026

How can a centuries-old cultural heritage site become more accessible without compromising its historical value?

This question is explored in the article "L'accessibilità invisibile e la sfida della conservazione. Il caso pilota della Cappella Brancacci nell'ambito del Progetto Horizon AccesS", recently published in Rivista del Caffè Michelangiolo e dell'Accademia degli Incamminati. The article presents the Brancacci Chapel as one of the pilot sites of our project and highlights how accessibility and conservation can work hand in hand.

Located in Florence's Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, the Brancacci Chapel is renowned for its extraordinary Renaissance frescoes by Masaccio, Masolino, and Filippino Lippi. Preserving such a unique cultural heritage site while ensuring it remains welcoming and accessible to diverse audiences requires innovative and carefully balanced solutions.

The article introduces the concept of "invisible accessibility", an approach that goes beyond removing physical barriers. It considers environmental comfort, indoor climate monitoring, digital technologies, visitor experience, and preventive conservation as complementary elements that can improve accessibility while safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.

Within AccesS, the Brancacci Chapel serves as a real-world environment where innovative tools and methodologies can be tested under operational conditions. By combining heritage conservation with digital monitoring and accessibility solutions, the pilot demonstrates how historic buildings can become more inclusive without altering their cultural significance.

We would like to thank the Florence team for sharing their expertise and highlighting the Brancacci Chapel pilot through this publication, as well as Rivista del Caffè Michelangiolo e dell'Accademia degli Incamminati for featuring the AccesS project and contributing to the dissemination of innovative approaches to accessibility and heritage conservation. You can read the full article here.

News Archive

AccesS showcased at the New European Bauhaus Festival Satellite Event in MurciaJul 14, 2026

AccesS showcased at the New European Bauhaus Festival Satellite Event in Murcia

Jul 14, 2026

On 12 June, the AccesS project took part in the official New European Bauhaus (NEB) Festival Satellite Event in Murcia, organised as part of the UrbActivistas initiative. Bringing together citizens, public authorities, researchers, and innovators, the event celebrated how local action can contribute to more sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful places, in line with the core values of the New European Bauhaus.

Representing the AccesS project, partners CETEM, Voltiva, and the Murcia City Council presented the project's vision and ongoing work to improve accessibility, mobility, and sustainability in smart buildings and urban spaces. Through its integrated digital tools and methodologies, AccesS supports the design and renovation of built environments that are more inclusive, with a particular focus on the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

As part of the programme, the consortium organised an interactive workshop featuring ErgoFlow, one of the solutions being developed within AccesS. The session introduced participants to how the tool supports the ergonomic and accessibility assessment of furniture and interior elements, helping designers, architects, and other stakeholders identify opportunities to improve usability and inclusiveness from the earliest stages of the design process.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with local stakeholders, exchange ideas, and demonstrate how European research and innovation can support more accessible and resilient communities. By participating in initiatives such as the NEB Festival Satellite Events, AccesS continues to promote the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, inclusion, and beauty while fostering dialogue between research, public authorities, industry, and citizens.

We would like to thank UrbActivistas and the Murcia City Council for organising this inspiring initiative, as well as everyone who participated in the workshop. Your experiences, ideas, and valuable feedback will help us continue developing innovative solutions that contribute to more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable environments for all.

AccesS Showcased at Innovawood Annual ConferenceJul 09, 2026

AccesS Showcased at Innovawood Annual Conference

Jul 09, 2026

The AccesS project was presented at the Innovawood Annual Conference, where our partner CETEM represented the consortium alongside the OTRI Foundation to share the latest progress of several European innovation initiatives.

During the event, CETEM's Director presented a poster highlighting ErgoFlow, one of the digital solutions developed within the AccesS project. ErgoFlow supports furniture designers, architects, and manufacturers in creating more ergonomic, accessible, and inclusive products by assessing designs against recognised ergonomic and accessibility principles before they reach the market.

The Innovawood Annual Conference brings together a wide range of international stakeholders, including research organisations, industry representatives, clusters, and policymakers, offering an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, foster new collaborations, and increase the visibility of European research and innovation projects.

We would like to thank CETEM for representing the AccesS consortium and contributing to the dissemination of our project results within the European innovation community! 😊

CETEM in the Feria del Mueble Yecla 2026Jul 07, 2026

CETEM in the Feria del Mueble Yecla 2026

Jul 07, 2026

Last May, our partners from CETEM took part in the “Feria del Mueble Yecla 2026”, one of Spain's leading events for the furniture and interiors sector. The fair brings together manufacturers, designers, researchers and technology providers to showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of furniture, interior design and the built environment.

During the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to discover AccesS and how our Horizon Europe project is developing innovative solutions to make smart buildings and cities more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. Participating in FMY2026 was an excellent opportunity to present the project to companies, professionals and stakeholders from the furniture and habitat sectors, exchange ideas and explore future collaborations that can accelerate the adoption of inclusive and user-centred solutions.

The Feria del Mueble Yecla is aligned with CETEM's development of the ErgoFlow, one of the digital solutions integrated into the AccesS Suite. ErgoFlow supports furniture designers, architects and product developers in creating furniture and interior elements that comply with ergonomic principles, usability standards and accessibility requirements, helping ensure products are comfortable and easy to use for everyone.

A big thank you to everyone who visited CETEM´s stand and showed interest in the AccesS initiative!

What did AccesS learn from the New European Bauhaus Festival 2026?Jul 02, 2026

What did AccesS learn from the New European Bauhaus Festival 2026?

Jul 02, 2026

Between 9 and 13 June 2026, the AccesS project participated in the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Festival in Brussels, joining policymakers, researchers, practitioners, citizens, and innovators from across Europe to discuss the future of our built environment.
The festival reinforced a key message that resonates strongly with the objectives of the AccesS project: building a more sustainable future is not only a technological challenge, but also a social one.

As highlighted by European Commissioner, Jessika Roswall, during the event, sustainability, affordability, and wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Creating buildings and cities that are energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and resource-conscious also means creating spaces that improve people's quality of life.

Throughout the festival, the AccesS consortium showcased the AccesS Suite, the project's integrated toolbox supporting accessible and inclusive design, as well as the adaptive and sustainable operation of the built environment. Beyond presenting our solutions, we also invited visitors to reflect on a simple question:

"If you could make one wish for your built environment, what would it be?"

The answers we received were remarkably diverse. Some participants highlighted affordability and housing accessibility, others emphasized sustainability, safety, social inclusion, green spaces, or improved accessibility for all users. These conversations confirmed an important principle that has guided the AccesS project since its inception: there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the built environment.

The diversity of perspectives encountered during the NEB Festival reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches in the development of innovative solutions. From the earliest stages of the project, AccesS has worked to identify key stakeholder groups and ensure that their needs, experiences, and expectations are reflected in the tools and methodologies being developed.

As the New European Bauhaus initiative continues to grow and inspire new approaches to sustainable and inclusive transformation, AccesS remains committed to contributing to a built environment that is not only greener and more resilient, but also more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

Architectural competition for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre, our pilot site in GabrovoJun 29, 2026

Architectural competition for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre, our pilot site in Gabrovo

Jun 29, 2026

Located on the left bank of the Yantra River, the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre for Contemporary Art (located in Gabrovo, Bulgaria) is one of the pilot sites of thе AccesS project, where accessibility, sustainability and inclusive design are explored in a real cultural and urban context. Built in 1970 for the needs of Gabrovo’s textile industry, the former school was selected to house the Centre because of its spacious halls, solid structure and symbolic connection to textiles – an essential material in Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s projects. Today, the architectural competition for the transformation of the former Textile Technical School represents an important milestone for both the Centre and the AccesS pilot site, as the competition seeks the best architectural solution for the adaptive reuse of an emblematic building connected to the city’s industrial, educational and cultural history.

For AccesS, the competition is particularly relevant because it brings the project’s key themes – accessibility, sustainability, comfort and user-centred design – into a real design process. The Gabrovo pilot site is still largely in a pre-renovation phase and is not continuously occupied, which limits the direct testing of some of the AccesS suite tools in everyday use. At the same time, the competition allows accessibility and inclusive design to be incorporated already at the planning and design stage, rather than added later as an afterthought when existing buildings are adapted to meet accessibility needs. Accessibility is reflected in the competition brief and evaluation methodology. It is included within the criterion for functionality and usability. The submitted concepts will be assessed not only in terms of compliance with regulatory requirements, but also according to how they address different dimensions of accessibility, including motor, visual, auditory, tactile, speech and cognitive accessibility.

Through AccesS, the Gabrovo pilot explores how digital tools and design-based approaches can support a more inclusive and sustainable transformation of the built environment, while taking into account the limitations of a site still preparing for full renovation. The competition also places sustainability and user-centred design at the core of the Centre’s development. The planned transformation is expected to strengthen the Centre as a contemporary cultural hub with spaces for exhibitions, education, creative production, research and community engagement. Its location along the Yantra River highlights the need to consider accessibility not only inside the building, but also in relation to arrival routes, outdoor spaces, orientation and connections to the surrounding urban environment.

Following the New European Bauhaus Festival in Brussels, this process also resonates with the wider European conversation on how cultural infrastructure can combine sustainability, inclusion and quality of experience. For Gabrovo, it represents an important step towards the development of a cultural institution with European relevance, guided by the principles of the New European Bauhaus. For AccesS, it provides a relevant example of how accessibility can be addressed in the context of adaptive reuse.

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre in Gabrovo will therefore serve not only as a space for contemporary art, but also as a testing ground for a more inclusive, sustainable and user-centred approach to cultural infrastructure. More information about the architectural competition is available on the website of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre: https://competition.cjcenter.gabrovo.bg/en/

Our 7th General Assembly took place in Bari!Jun 22, 2026

Our 7th General Assembly took place in Bari!

Jun 22, 2026

Last month, our partners gathered in the beautiful city of Bari (Italy) for the 7th Plenary Meeting of the EU project AccesS. A special thank you to our hosts, Città Metropolitana di Bari (Rossella Scaramuzzi and team), for organizing such a seamless event.
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During the plenary, we reviewed the progress across all applicable Work Packages. However, as we move closer to the consolidation of our technical solutions, particular attention was given to the training of pilot site managers and the demonstration of the AccesS Suite.
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The AccesS Suite integrates the project's digital innovations supporting both accessible and inclusive design as well as adaptive and sustainable operation of the built environment, all under an inclusive toolbox. The AccesS Suite is the main platform for managing all components, interfaces, and services within the system. It is specifically designed with a focus on accessibility, making it easier for individuals with disabilities and older persons to use and navigate the system.
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Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the discussions, special thanks to Panagiota Chatzipanagiotidou for the coordination efforts. It is rewarding to see how far we have come and how our solutions are becoming ready to support accessibility and inclusivity across Europe.
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Curious to learn more about the AccesS Suite? Check out our website! 😉

You missed our #EUSEW webinar? We've got you covered!Jun 05, 2026

You missed our #EUSEW webinar? We've got you covered!

Jun 05, 2026

Last week, on 29 May 2026, the AccesS project participated in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) webinar "From people to policy: Inclusive energy transitions with residents at the centre". The session brought together representatives from four Horizon Europe projects (AccesS, InclusiveSpaces, REN+HOMES, and BuildON) to discuss how Europe's energy transition can become more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to citizens' needs.

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The discussion explored the role of resident engagement, accessibility, and participatory approaches in achieving climate-neutral buildings and communities. Speakers shared experiences from their respective projects, highlighting the importance of involving end users in the design and implementation of energy renovation strategies, addressing barriers to participation, and ensuring that vulnerable and underrepresented groups are not left behind.

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The webinar provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how research, policy, and local action can work together to place people at the centre of the energy transition, supporting more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient built environments across Europe. Thank you to everyone behind the cameras who contributed to the organization of this event, to the speakers, and everyone who engaged in the discussions!

You can visit our YouTube channel to watch the recording! 😎

Our 4th newsletter is available!May 31, 2026

Our 4th newsletter is available!

May 31, 2026

If you want to find out what we've been doing over the past six months, you should definitely check out our M24 Newsletter!
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The fourth newsletter of the EU project AccesS highlights the latest deliverables submitted, recent events & activities in which we participated, and provides an overview of the project's progress and achievements.

You can download our 4th newsletter by clicking here.
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Curious to learn more? Visit our website to explore our project results, including deliverables, promotional materials, news, and upcoming events 😉

Save the date for our #EUSEW webinar!May 08, 2026

Save the date for our #EUSEW webinar!

May 08, 2026

FRIDAY IS HERE... and if you're checking your calendar, this is a good opportunity to #SaveTheDate for our #EUSEW webinar! 🥳📆
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Organized in collaboration with InclusiveSpaces, REN+HOMES, and BuildON, our webinar – part of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) – is titled "From people to policy: Inclusive energy transitions with residents at the centre" and will take place on 29 May 2026, at 11h (CEST).
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There are four interventions planned, with each project bringing a different perspective on the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred energy-efficient communities. More details coming up soon!
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⚠️ Interested? Save your spot by registering here: https://shorturl.at/MEK9B

Are you joining the New European Bauhaus Festival? Come meet us!Apr 29, 2026

Are you joining the New European Bauhaus Festival? Come meet us!

Apr 29, 2026

If you’re around Brussels between 9-13 June, don’t miss the chance to connect with our partners representing our EU Project AccesS and explore how we are shaping more inclusive and sustainable buildings and cities!
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AccesS focuses on improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and older individuals, placing people at the centre of design. Through digital tools, co-creation, and user-driven approaches, we support better living environments that are both inclusive and energy-efficient. Learn more about our solutions here.
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During the festival, we'll have a stand where visitors can learn more about the AccesS Suite and participate in interactive sessions. You can find more details about the New European Bauhaus Festival here. Join us, exchange ideas, and be part of the conversation! 😉

We participated in Transfiere (Málaga, Spain) 2026! Mar 09, 2026

We participated in Transfiere (Málaga, Spain) 2026!

Mar 09, 2026

Last week, our partners from CETEM attended Transfiere 2026 (Malaga, Spain), one of Europe's leading forums for knowledge transfer and innovation!

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During the event, CETEM had the opportunity to briefly present our EU Project AccesS - Enhancing Accessibility and Sustainability in Smart Cities and Smart Buildings and how the project is developing new digital tools, user-centered design methodologies, and technological solutions aimed at:
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improving the accessibility of the built environment;
facilitating inclusive mobility;
optimizing energy management and comfort in buildings;
supporting decision-making in urban renewal processes.

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Events such as Transfiere are a key space for connecting research, industry, and public administrations, and for continuing to promote the collaboration necessary to build more inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered cities.

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We continue to work to ensure that technological innovation contributes to environments that are accessible to all! 🌍

Another thursday, another #tbt: UrbACTivistas EventDec 11, 2025

Another thursday, another #tbt: UrbACTivistas Event

Dec 11, 2025

AccesS Showcased at the NEB “Learning, Sharing and Applying NEB Tools” Event in Cartagena

On 28 November 2025, the AccesS project took part in the UrbACTivistas event “The New European Bauhaus: Learning, Sharing and Applying NEB Tools”, hosted at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (CIM Building). The session brought together practitioners, researchers and local actors to explore how New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles can be applied in real urban transformation projects.

As part of the programme, our team presented the work conducted at the Verónicas Market pilot site, demonstrating how the NEB Compass and NEB Checklist were used to structure and guide the project’s approach. After a short introduction on how both tools function, the team illustrated how their application in Verónicas Market helped clarify existing efforts and communicate them in a more coherent and structured way. Special thanks to the Municipality of Murcia and Cristina Marchante for the outstanding dissemination activities!

Interested? You can find out more about the content of our presentation here!

International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesDec 03, 2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Dec 03, 2025

Today, December 3, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities — a moment that aligns closely with the core purpose of our project.

At AccesS, our goal is ultimately about creating built environments and digital solutions that support equal access, independence, and participation for everyone.

Days like today remind us why accessibility cannot be treated as an add-on, but as a fundamental condition for inclusive cities and buildings.
They reinforce the value of the work we are doing together, and the importance of keeping lived experiences at the centre of our approach.

Follow our social media and stay tuned for how we are shaping the future of accessibility.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-project-access/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/EUprojectAccesS

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EUprojectAccesS

#TBT to CASE25 in Cyprus!Nov 20, 2025

#TBT to CASE25 in Cyprus!

Nov 20, 2025

Today is time for a Throwback Thursday (#tbt) because, back in September, our colleague Eleni Apostolidou (Frederick Research Center) presented the paper “Enhancing Accessibility in the Built Environment Using IoT-Enabled Smart Sensors" at the Conference Advancements in Sustainable Engineering (CASE25), held in Cyprus (11-12 September).

In this paper, the authors provided a structured literature review and comparative analysis examining how digital twin technologies and IoT-enabled smart sensors can improve accessibility in smart buildings. The paper was co-authored with CETEM (Spain) and CERTH (Greece) and explores how these technologies can support more inclusive, accessible public spaces.

Find more about it here!

Our 3rd newsletter is out!Nov 19, 2025

Our 3rd newsletter is out!

Nov 19, 2025

Welcome to the Third AccesS Project newsletter – marking 18 months of collaboration and progress! As we move into the next phase, the team is deepening the development of our digital solutions while bringing them closer to real-world application through demonstrations and engagement with local communities and partners.

Find out more here!

Register to receive your free Visitor Pass!

Oct 24, 2025

AccesS and REN+HOMES will be participating in Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 (SCEWC25), Barcelona, 4 - 6 November. We’d love to invite you to join us as our guest! Register here to receive your free Visitor Pass code.

Don't forget to join our side event under the theme “Enabling Technologies for Sustainable and Inclusive Smart Cities and Buildings”:

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 09:30h – 12:30h
Location: Zone CC5 – Room 5.3 | All Passes

AccesS & REN+HOMES at Smart City Expo World Congress 2025Oct 21, 2025

AccesS & REN+HOMES at Smart City Expo World Congress 2025

Oct 21, 2025

The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) is the world’s biggest and most influential event on urban innovation, bringing together leaders, cities, and organizations shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive urban living.

This year, AccesS and REN+HOMES are proud to co-host a side event under the theme “Enabling Technologies for Sustainable and Inclusive Smart Cities and Buildings”.

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 09:30h – 12:30h
Location: Zone CC5 – Room 5.3 | All Passes
Event: Smart City Expo World Congress 2025| Barcelona

The workshop will showcase how digital tools and technological innovation can accelerate energy conservation and support cities in their transition toward climate neutrality, accessibility, and inclusion.

AccesS aims to create barrier-free environments and optimise energy use in smart buildings and cities — redefining standards for accessibility and sustainability.
REN+HOMES focuses on developing a universal method for positive-energy homes and districts, featuring 23 practical solutions that integrate digitalisation and green energy principles.

Join Us!

This session will bring together experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore scalable pathways for inclusive, energy-efficient, and sustainable cities.

🔗 Learn more and register here.

Project flyer!Sep 26, 2025

Project flyer!

Sep 26, 2025

Check out our flyer, where we briefly present the project and its key elements, including the demonstration cases and the consortium. We will be distributing these at the upcoming events, so make sure to grab one!

You can find the flyer here: AccesS Flyer

Demo site 6: Mercado de Verónicas, SpainSep 19, 2025

Demo site 6: Mercado de Verónicas, Spain

Sep 19, 2025

Meet the Mercado de Verónicas, our pilot site in Spain!

Within the AccesS project, the Mercado de Verónicas will serve as a real-world demonstrator to validate integrated solutions that combine accessibility, inclusiveness, and sustainability in the rehabilitation of public buildings. The renovation of the market, aims to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by introducing energy-efficient design measures, improved insulation, and smart energy management systems.

Read more about it here: Demo site 6: Mercado de Verónicas, Spain

How Can We Build an Accessible and Inclusive Built Environment?Sep 10, 2025

Screenshot of brochure about the AccesS project

How Can We Build an Accessible and Inclusive Built Environment?

Sep 10, 2025

We have prepared two brochures that outline the User-Centered Design (UCD) approach for the AccesS project and highlight findings related to user needs, expectations and challenges for accessibility of the built environment and active mobility solutions across the six demo sites of the project.

This content is intended to inform a broad spectrum of stakeholders engaged in the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive and accessible built environments and mobility solutions. Its findings are particularly relevant to urban planners, architects, municipal decision-makers, technology developers, and digital tool designers, who play a central role in shaping physical and regulatory infrastructures and in the creation of accessible smart systems. Additionally, the UCD approach offers a knowledge base for academic researchers and evaluators working in the areas of smart cities, universal design, and mobility systems.

You can read about the approach and its results in a full report here, or you can check the main findings in a shorter version here.

2nd Press ReleaseAug 27, 2025

2nd Press Release

Aug 27, 2025

A year has passed and we have established, developed, completed, conducted, drafted, selected, defined and implemented many things - read all about them in our second press release. We have also established connections with similar projects and initiatives to grow stronger together. You can follow our progress through our website and social media channels, where we regularly post about our latest developments.

Read the 2nd Press Release 2025 here!

Demo site 1: Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre, BulgariaAug 18, 2025

People at Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre

Demo site 1: Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre, Bulgaria

Aug 18, 2025

Meet the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre, our pilot site in Bulgaria!

The pilot in Bulgaria will test innovative approaches to accessibility and sustainability. Here, accessibility means more than ramps and elevators: it is about spatial orientation, cultural openness, and enabling people to actively participate rather than remain passive visitors.

Read more about it in the pdf about Demo site 1: Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre.

Demo site 4: Casa Girasole, SwitzerlandJul 30, 2025

Demo site 4: Casa Girasole, Switzerland

Jul 30, 2025

Meet the Casa Girasole - our pilot site in Switzerland!

The Swiss pilot focuses on evaluating how accessibility, comfort, and energy efficiency can be improved through digital solutions in a residential care setting.

Read more about it in the pdf about Demo site 4: Casa Girasola.

Demo site 3: Droom je Thuis Foundation, The NetherlandsJun 27, 2025

Photo of Dutch housing project for kids with disabilities called 'Droom je thuis'

Demo site 3: Droom je Thuis Foundation, The Netherlands

Jun 27, 2025

Meet the Droom Je Thuis - our pilot site in the Netherlands! It is a pioneering housing project, born from the parents' initiative of creating a safe, accessible, and future-proof home for kids with disabilities. Read more about it in the pdf about Demo site 3: Droom je thuis!

AccesS and InclusiveSpaces Joint workshop recordingJun 26, 2025

Screenshot of a YouTube video of the workshop held at 24th June 2025

AccesS and InclusiveSpaces Joint workshop recording

Jun 26, 2025

On the 24th June 2025, AceesS and InclusiveSpaces organised a workshop under the Sustainable Energy Days umbrella.

The topic we discussed was "How can inclusive, accessible design and energy efficiency go hand in hand to power a just, inclusive, and competitive green transition in Europe?"

Have you missed the workshop? You can check the recording on our YouTube channel via this link.

4th Plenary meetingJun 19, 2025

Screenshot showing participants of an online meeting

4th Plenary meeting

Jun 19, 2025

For the 4th Plenary meeting of the project, the consortium met online to discuss progress, challenges and opportunities. We are currently at month 13, with three work packages already concluded. The technical work packages are in full speed, and we just initiated pilot preparations for the demonstration activities. Here are just some of the main achievements of the project so far:

AccesS Framework architecture, use cases and master planning for demonstrators
Finalisation of AccesS user-centered design approach & site-specific roadmaps
Comparative analysis of European and international regulations & data collection activities with users and stakeholders
Development of the low-definition and high-definition prototypes of the user interface and experience of the ErgoFlow evaluation tool and furniture library
Definition of the interaction parameters between the virtual human and the simulated virtual environment, and the syntax used to describe them in a simulation scenario
Ontology designed to serve as the backbone for the common information management layer
Core platform features developed, establishing the foundation for future functionalities

We concluded that the project is well on track, and we look forward to our next plenary meeting, when we will again meet in person.

AccesS and InclusiveSpaces project workshopJun 11, 2025

Image containing information about the workshop of 24th June 2025

AccesS and InclusiveSpaces project workshop

Jun 11, 2025

Enhancing Accessibility and Sustainability in Smart Cities and Smart Buildings - a joint workshop

This online event, hosted by the sister projects AccesS and InclusiveSpaces, aims to highlight how inclusive, accessible design and energy efficiency can go hand in hand to power a just, inclusive, and competitive green transition in Europe. Both projects are in their initial stages and are laying the foundation for their methodologies by actively engaging stakeholders in shaping sustainable, inclusive smart cities and buildings.

During the event, we will learn about progress in both projects:

AccesS project, Paris Fokaides will present an overview of stakeholder engagement results, preliminary insights on barriers to accessibility and energy inefficiencies in smart buildings and an introduction to planned methodologies for creating barrier-free, energy-optimised inclusive design across smart buildings and cities.
InclusiveSpaces project, Floridea Di Ciommo will present a summary of initial co-design workshops with people in vulnerable situations, and early prototypes, with a focus on universal design as a pillar of inclusivity and sustainability for a just transition.
Keynote Speech by SHIFT project, Maria Kagkelidou will present insights from the SHIFT project on Embracing Technology for Sustainable Cultural Heritage: Emphasis on inclusive innovation and the role of accessibility in the energy transformation
Panel discussion: “Inclusive Innovation for the Green Transition”

Registrations are now open. Click here to join us online!

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