The Closing Event and Final Exhibition of the SBRAUS project, organized at IUAV in Venice on March 11th, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration among five European universities. This event was a resounding success, showcasing the collective efforts of the universities in promoting the project’s objectives. Through a series of presentations, screenings, and discussions, the event offered a comprehensive overview of the scientific work, educational initiatives, and collaborative research outcomes developed throughout the SBRAUS project.

The event kicked off with the Opening Address delivered by Prof. Francesco Musco and Prof. Linda Zardo from IUAV University, setting the stage for the day’s activities. They introduced the main themes and goals of the SBRAUS project, underlining the importance of European cooperation on international projects. This initial session framed the project’s objectives and provided a foundation for the discussions that followed.

Following the opening remarks, the first formal session was focused on the Presentation of Publications Vol 1 and Vol 2. Prof. Peter Ruge (Hochschule Anhalt), Prof. Fabiano Micocci, and Prof. Vaso Trova (University of Thessaly) led this segment, showcasing the educational and research methodologies used in this project, as well as the results done by the students involved in the summer school. The session provided a deeper dive into the academic contributions, provoking reflection and stimulating meaningful discussions within the academic community.

The next segment highlighted the Exhibition on the Summer School held in Skopje in September 2024. This exhibition presented the Summer School’s outcomes, activities, and achievements, emphasizing the practical applications of academic learning and teaching. It was an opportunity for attendees to understand how the Summer School contributed to education, research, and community engagement.

Another highlight of the event was the Screening of the Short Documentary. The documentary offered a unique, visual perspective on the themes explored throughout the project. It provided an engaging format that enhanced participants’ understanding of the SBRAUS project’s objectives, complementing the academic discussions with a creative narrative.

As the event neared its conclusion, Closing Remarks were delivered by Prof. Radmila Tomovska, Asst. Adelina Fejza, Asst. Fjolla Pustina (MTU), and the IUAV team (Prof. Francesco Musco, Prof. Linda Zardo, Asst. Nicola Romanato, and Vittoria Ridolfi). This session summarized the key takeaways from the event, reflecting on the collaborative efforts of the project and the insights gained over the 18 months of work. It also looked ahead, discussing potential future research and collaboration directions.

The Partner Wrap-Up Session brought together presenters from all participating universities: IUAV, Hochschule Anhalt, University of Thessaly, University of Maribor, and Mother Teresa University. This final session provided an opportunity for all partners to discuss the collaborative process, highlight the project’s achievements, and envision the future of the initiatives presented throughout the day.

The SBRAUS project, with its focus on sustainable bio-climatic urban revitalization, demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex urban challenges. The project aims to offer innovative, sustainable solutions for the revitalization of abandoned spaces, particularly those with historical and cultural significance, using the aqueduct and its surroundings in Skopje as a model for cultural preservation and urban development. The project fosters intercultural tolerance, respect, and partnership, setting a valuable example for future collaborative efforts in sustainable urban development.