Consortium meeting in Fundão brings together European cities and experts to co-design sustainable food systems and urban spaces.
In June, Birmingham City Council representatives headed to Fundão, Portugal, for the first face-to-face gathering of the Bauhaus Bites (BB) consortium—an ambitious European initiative striving to make city food environments better for people and planet, drawing inspiration from nature-based solutions and the New European Bauhaus ideals.
Hosted by the Municipality of Fundão, the three-day event brought together ‘trailblazer’ cities, their ‘twins’, and expert partners from across Europe. It was a chance to catch up on progress, strengthen connections, and shape a shared vision for urban spaces that are not just greener, but fairer and more beautiful too.
Birmingham took centre stage with its BCC Cities’ Action Plan and Impact Pathways, mapping out how local pilot projects will pave the way to healthier food systems, greener neighbourhoods, and more resilient communities. This work builds on major local strategies, including the East Birmingham Inclusive Growth Strategy, City of Nature, Route to Net zero and the council’s Corporate Plan.
Workshops with specialist partners gave Birmingham a golden opportunity to hone its approach to measuring impact and sharing lessons learned. A lively session on ‘localising’ the BB vision—organised around People, Place, and Policies—opened up fresh conversations about how Birmingham’s ambitions fit with those of fellow cities and the wider project.
Of course, the visit to Fundão wasn’t solely focused on meetings. The Bauhaus Bites consortium was warmly received, with a cherry-themed picnic that highlighted the region’s character. As a subtle gesture reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainability, a local cherry tree was symbolically sponsored—an enduring reminder of the values shared by the partnership.
Site visits revealed Fundão’s creative approach to food, design, and community spirit. From the Fundão Food Lab and Municipal Restaurant to the New Hand Lab and Covilhã Design Triennial, there was plenty to inspire and plenty of practical ideas to take home to Birmingham.
As Bauhaus Bites gathers pace, Birmingham remains firmly committed to co-creating solutions that reflect local needs and ambitions, while helping to shape a shared European vision. The Fundão meeting was a milestone—proof that creativity, collaboration, and a shared appetite for change can go a long way.
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