Capital of Poland, Warsaw is a major cultural, political and economic hub. This is reflected in its design and architecture, which has fully embraced the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

Projects like the Warsaw-based FOLK Concept, aim to rejuvenate existing architecture with the future in mind. FOLK, winner of the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars Award 2022, breathes new life into old barns and granaries, repurposing them to meet modern-day needs while preserving their signature features. Many innovative urban living spaces have also been built with modern and sustainable design in mind, like the Zlota 44, a skyscraper with rooftops designed to collect rainwater. This regeneration process is being democratised through initiatives such as ReStore, a not-for-profit shop offering new and used sustainable furnishings and materials.

It’s impossible to ignore these transformations in Warsaw. Visit the once legendary Koneser Vodka Factory and admire its old features while exploring commercial spaces, bars, restaurants, hotels and much more. The Norblin Factory is another successful urban renewal project you should check out, especially for its museum, BioBazar, ArtBox Experience, and Food Town which boasts 23 gastronomic concepts from around the world.

Located in the Silesian region, and fully embracing the New European Bauhaus (NEB) values, Katowice is Poland’s former industrial heartland. The city’s history is interwoven with that of its coal mine – a past that Katowice has used to transform itself into a sustainable city of the future. With financial support from the EU, the MOLOC project has transformed the mine into a cultural centre, now home to the Spodek Arena, the Polish National Symphony Orchestra, the International Congress Centre and the Silesian Museum.

Besides its coal industry, the city is known for its metal and glass architecture. Its buildings are heavily influenced by post-industrial architecture, with modernist and Art Nouveau features. The Skarbek department store’s textured façade, the city’s central roundabout, and the Superjednostka building are impressive examples of how long-lasting, recyclable, and adaptable materials play a critical role in creating unique designs.

By linking to its past, Katowice has some unique experiences to offer visitors. The Giesche Porcelain Factory and its spaces now host concerts and other events, and the former workers’ district of Nikiszowiec – home to some unique early 20th-century architecture – is now a cultural and social hub.

You can also visit the Śląskie Museum, which is a space for dialogue between the past and the present. Or explore Silesian Park, one of the largest green investments in Upper Silesia. When you’re done, chill out and enjoy the bars and clubs in Mariacka Street.

Prague is a gift that keeps on giving, especially when it comes to its historical architecture and  its approach to sustainable architectural modernisation. The city promotes different initiatives based on the main values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB). Prague is one of the cities piloting the CrAFt initiative, which aims to find models for how cities can transition towards climate neutrality in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and beautiful. It is also home to the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars Award-winning Reclaim Žižkov project, which aims to help this historic, working-class district keep its old soul in the face of gentrification.

If you are looking to experience the different sides of a city in transition, visit Prague’s Holešovice district, where the seamless inclusion of boutique shops, cafés, and galleries has led to a striking and attractive reinvention of this diverse neighbourhood. Or check out the Dancing House, a rare example of deconstructivism inspired by Art Nouveau; or the Žižkov Television Tower, which some might say is one of the ugliest – and yet most fascinating – buildings in the world.

Wherever you decide to go, don’t miss a chance to visit Petřín Lookout Tower or Letná Park, where you can have a drink and admire the stunning views over the city. If that’s not enough, explore the lively Rašínovo nábřeží embankment and everything it has to offer at any time of year.

A small harbour in the south-east region of Malta, Marsa stole Europe’s limelight in 2015 when it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. While its shipyards and Grand Harbour have played a critical role in the country’s history, Marsa is now trying to challenge its fading fortunes. It is fully embracing the spirit of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) by pursuing sustainable and inclusive architectural transformations.

The city is home to the ‘Malta as a walkable city project,’ which aims to transform the country’s rarely used rain drainage system into pedestrian highways. By redesigning urban mobility, the project wants to make the lives of residents more pleasant and sustainable.

In 2022, the city was named Malta's Capital of Culture – an acknowledgement of the potential of this small but lively urban centre, and a call to rediscover this significant historical town marked by the remnants of its shipbuilding and industrial activity. 

Get ready for a real treasure hunt while you’re in Marsa. You can visit the Malta Postal Museum and learn more about how Malta – in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea – has managed to keep itself in the loop. And have a look at Marsa’s horse-racing track, built in 1868, or take a relaxing stroll around the marina.