Written by: Dafni Delioglani, FOCUS STC

ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Greek Living Lab co-hosted a seminar on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and architecture in promoting Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Co-organised by the Technical Chamber of Central Macedonia (TCG/SCM) and the Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO/CERTH), the event took place on 27 May 2025 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Led by keynote speakers, the discussion focused on the powerful synergies between technology, architectural design, and urban environmental planning. It highlighted how AI can help us optimise the design and placement of NBS to achieve greater ecological and social value and can process large-scale environmental data (e.g. satellite imagery, sensor data, etc.) to monitor the performance of green infrastructure in real time. Furthermore, the seminar explored how AI can support evidence-based, context-sensitive integration of NBS into urban design and architecture as a response to the decline in urban biodiversity and the challenges cities face due to the climate crisis. In this context, a central aim was to explore how architects, planners, ecologists, and social scientists can collaborate to co-create solutions where technology amplifies, rather than undermines, the benefits of nature. This collaborative exploration sought to strengthen dialogue among the scientific community, professionals, and educational institutions, while raising awareness and offering training on the integration of AI in urban design and NBS initiatives.

ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Greek Living Lab aspires to serve as a focal point for bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss NBS and co-create sustainable solutions. Its mission is to advance urban resilience and biodiversity, aligning with Thessaloniki’s coastal regeneration initiative led by the Region of Central Macedonia. It is coordinated by the Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO-CERTH) with the support of FOCUS STC and IDEA Training.