The intensive week-long Erasmus+ Spring School programme, which brought together 45 students and their professors from Technische Universität Graz, Università degli Studi di Cagliari y Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, along with Erasmus students from Germany, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, concluded with an exhibition of student projects at the Istrian Architects’ Association.

Following study visits to Pula’s fortifications and former military zones, as well as lectures and workshops, ten international student teams proposed innovative revitalisation models for sites such as Fort Bourguignon, the Muzil area and the island of St. Andrew. Among the ideas were a research centre for fortifications with a museum and library at Fort Marie Louise, and the experiential programme “Chambers of Emotion” at Fort Bourguignon.

The exhibition was opened by Jasmina Bašić, President of the Istrian Architects’ Association, and Deputy Mayor of Grad Pula – Pola, Dr. Vito Paoletić, who highlighted the importance of international collaboration in shaping sustainable urban development solutions. The student projects were reviewed and praised by mentors Assoc. Prof. Donatella Rita Fiorino, Assist. Prof. Elisa Pilia (University of Cagliari) and Assoc. Prof. Daniel Gethmann (TU Graz), who emphasised the creativity of the teams and their ability to connect local community needs with the potential of these spaces.

The programme focused on sustainable development and urban landscape management, with particular emphasis on repurposing former military areas into spaces for housing, recreation, entrepreneurship and cultural activities. During the week, participants visited the old town, the Kaštel fortress, sites at Muzil and St. Andrew Island, Fort Bourguignon and Verudela, with the programme concluding with a visit to the islands of Veliki and Mali Brijun.

“There was a strong sense of synergy among the students, and we are pleased that they successfully channelled their collective creativity into valuable solutions beneficial to the local community,” said Assoc. Prof. Natasa Urosevic, PhD on behalf of the organisers.