NONA project partners visit Veszprém pilot area Gyárkert: A New European Bauhaus perspective on urban transformation

This June, from the 11th to the 13th, we had the pleasure of attending a project meeting in Veszprém as part of the NONA – New Governance for New Spaces initiative. The event brought together project partners from across the Danube region and offered a meaningful opportunity to deepen cooperation, share insights, and explore innovative approaches to the sustainable transformation of urban spaces.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Mayor of Veszprém, Porga Gyula, for the warm welcome and for the thoughtful presentation of the NONA Gyárkert pilot area, where we are developing new solutions together. Hosted in the heart of Veszprém’s former Furniture Factory district, the NONA project partners were shown how a once-abandoned industrial site is being reimagined as a vibrant cultural and social hub. Since 2023, the area has been brought to life through initiatives like Factory Garden and has sparked the revitalisation of surrounding buildings, such as ActiCity, the Ruttner House, and CODE. These are not isolated interventions; they are interconnected steps toward a more inclusive, beautiful, and sustainable urban future.

We were especially inspired by the city’s commitment to participatory urban development. In collaboration with Pannon University and international experts, Veszprém is not only exploring future uses for the district but is also engaging 1,200 residents in shaping its direction. This co-creation process is at the core of the New European Bauhaus: designing with people, not just for them.

This gathering in Veszprém reaffirmed the importance of collaborative urban regeneration grounded in community values. We look forward to continuing this journey with our project partners, sharing, learning, and building together. Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the entire organising team for their outstanding hospitality and seamless coordination of the project partner meeting.

Veszprém reminds us that transformation begins when people, place, and purpose come together. This is the spirit of NONA. This is the spirit of the New European Bauhaus.

Photos: Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Town Veszprém with County Rank