Built for People: AMBIANCE’s Final Event
On 20 May 2026, AMBIANCE celebrated its Final Event in Pontevedra, Spain, with the opening of an Urban Showroom in Plaza de Barcelos. Organised in collaboration with the City Council of Pontevedra, the showroom invited citizens to discover how innovative, sustainable solutions can contribute to more responsible, resource-efficient, and people-centred cities.
The Urban Showroom brought the project's results to life, presenting a range of market-ready, bio-based solutions designed for urban outdoor applications. Visitors had the opportunity to explore how research and innovation can support the transition towards greener and more liveable urban environments.
The day began with a meeting during which the Consortium had the honour of presenting the project to the Mayor of Pontevedra. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of initiatives that place people at the centre of urban transformation and improve quality of life for all citizens. He emphasised that cities become more sustainable, environmentally respectful, and ultimately happier when urban planning prioritises people and community wellbeing.
The Mayor also reflected on the responsibility of each generation to leave the world better than it found it, working towards a healthier planet for future generations. His message resonated strongly with the vision and objectives of AMBIANCE.
Pontevedra provides a particularly fitting setting for this final event. Internationally recognised as a benchmark for human-centred urban planning, the city is renowned for the near-complete pedestrianisation of its historic centre. The "Pontevedra Model" has received numerous international distinctions, including the UN-Habitat Award for urban quality and accessibility (2014), the International Urban Excellence Award from the Center for Active Design in New York (2015), the European Urban Road Safety Award from the European Commission (2020), and the ICOUL Awards (2025) for best practices in urban landscape design.
These achievements reflect a shared commitment to creating cities that are safer, healthier, and more sustainable, values that align closely with AMBIANCE’s mission. Throughout its duration, AMBIANCE has worked to bring research closer to society and demonstrate how bio-based innovation can help shape the cities of the future.
The Consortium extends its sincere thanks to the City Council of Pontevedra and to all the citizens who joined the event and contributed to its success.
As the project reaches its conclusion, the message remains clear: the future of our cities is built around people. Through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, we can create urban environments that benefit both current and future generations.
By: Elena Minisci, CRIT
