More than 100 students gathered in Bucharest through the 5th Students Reinventing Cities competition to explore and rethink the Pantelimon-Fundeni Neighbourhood  – often seen as ordinary or overlooked. What started as an international call for youth ideas has evolved into a hands-on learning process, engaging students and teachers from local universities, particularly the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism.

A first site visit on 6 April gave students direct insight into the site’s potential, constraints and ongoing transformation. Supported by Climato Sfera, NHood and Bucharest District 2 Municipality, the visit connected academic work with real-world challenges, helping participants better understand both design opportunities and implementation realities.

Beyond the competition, the initiative encourages a shift in perspective. Students are invited to look differently at everyday neighbourhood spaces that form a significant part of Bucharest’s urban fabric, recognising their potential to become islands of nature, platforms for biodiversity and places that help rebuild community life.

“These places may seem banal, but they can become real oases of nature and community life.”

Roxana Triboi, Climato Sfera