Brussels, May 2026 – How can innovation, digitalization and sustainability contribute to built environments that better respond to people and their wellbeing?
These questions were at the heart of the ECTP Conference 2026 in Brussels, where members of the European built environment community came together for two days of discussion, exchange and learning.
For BLUEPRINT, the conference provided an important opportunity to connect with projects, organisations and stakeholders working towards a more inclusive, sustainable, digital and human-centred built environment.
Creating space for dialogue and exchange
Dialogue grounded in listening, exchange and learning from different experiences is essential when shaping the future of our cities and communities.
The ECTP Conference brought together stakeholders around topics including innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, digital twins and the future of the built environment. The discussions offered an opportunity to explore how these developments can contribute to meaningful and measurable impact for people and communities.
BLUEPRINT participated as part of its wider engagement with events and multipliers, while also advancing activities in training and up-skilling strategies and tools.
Connecting with Learning Cities and the Curiosity Network
A key focus for BLUEPRINT at the conference was the work being carried out regarding training and up-skilling strategies and tools, particularly the identification of Learning Cities and potential members for the Curiosity Network.
The conference created an opportunity to start conversations with organisations and stakeholders who share an interest in learning, innovation and more inclusive approaches to urban development.
Together with ICLEI Europe, BLUEPRINT is exploring these connections as part of its wider work to build meaningful networks and strengthen collaboration around people-centred innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Curiosity Network and the next steps of this work.
Connecting with the European innovation community
The ECTP Conference also brought BLUEPRINT into contact with a wider ecosystem of New European Bauhaus and Built4People sister projects, as well as members of innovation clusters.
Having these different initiatives and communities in the same space created valuable opportunities to exchange experiences, identify common interests and begin new conversations.
For BLUEPRINT, these connections are particularly relevant as the project continues to explore how participatory approaches, innovation and collaboration can contribute to the transformation of urban environments.
From Brussels to the next steps
Events such as the ECTP Conference are more than opportunities to present project activities. They provide spaces to listen, learn, connect and build relationships with the people and organisations working towards similar goals.
For BLUEPRINT, the conversations in Brussels are part of a continuing journey towards a built environment that is:
More inclusive.
More sustainable.
More digital.
More human-centred.
The momentum continues beyond Brussels, with new conversations and collaborations helping shape the next steps of the BLUEPRINT project.
A sincere thank you to ECTP – European Construction and sustainable built environment Technology Platform for creating such a valuable space for exchange.
Stay tuned for more BLUEPRINT updates and developments.
