As cities worldwide navigate modernization, sustainability, and cultural preservation, they must balance innovation with environmental responsibility. The Transition to 8 project explores how cities can adapt to contemporary challenges while fostering cultural and ecological renewal. From Western Europe to the Caucasus, four cities—Rennes, Ljubljana, Eleusis, and Yerevan—are redefining their identities through sustainable urban development, digital innovation, contemporary artistic creation, and community-driven transformation.

Rennes: A Digital and Ecological Metropolis

Rennes, the capital of Brittany, seamlessly blends its medieval heritage with cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness. Once a fortified town with deep historical roots, Rennes has evolved into a leader in smart urban development. The city has prioritized sustainability through extensive public transportation, including an automated metro system and an expanding cycling infrastructure. Pedestrian-friendly spaces and eco-conscious urban planning ensure that its growth does not come at the expense of environmental responsibility.

As a thriving digital hub, Rennes integrates technology into its sustainability initiatives. AI-driven urban planning and air quality sensors contribute to a more efficient and greener city. This commitment to innovation is paralleled by its vibrant cultural scene, which includes major festivals, art initiatives, and music events, cementing Rennes as a city that successfully bridges history, technology, and environmental stewardship.

Ljubljana: A European Green Capital

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is one of Europe’s greenest cities, proving that environmental sustainability and urban living can coexist. A city once dominated by cars, Ljubljana has transformed its core into a pedestrian paradise, significantly reducing air pollution while enhancing green spaces. The Ljubljanica River, once heavily polluted, is now a thriving ecological corridor, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

Ljubljana was one of the first European capitals to adopt a zero-waste strategy, achieving an impressive recycling rate and demonstrating the potential of responsible waste management. The city has also embraced the principles of the circular economy, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in both individual behaviors and industrial practices. Beyond waste reduction, Ljubljana integrates biodiversity into urban planning, from bee-friendly initiatives to green rooftops and urban forests. These efforts have positioned it as a beacon of ecological transformation, setting a standard for cities worldwide.

Eleusis: From Industrial Hub to Cultural Renaissance

Located 20 km from Athens, Eleusis has long been an industrial powerhouse, contributing significantly to Greece’s economy. However, its industrial legacy left a lasting environmental impact, particularly through air and water pollution. Despite these challenges, Eleusis has embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation, culminating in its designation as the 2023 European Capital of Culture.

Grassroots advocacy and local initiatives have driven environmental improvements, including stricter industrial regulations and projects to rehabilitate and re-imagine the Eleusis Gulf. While the city is known for its heavy industry, it is also steeped in history, famously associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece. Today, Eleusis is harnessing this heritage to redefine its identity, integrating contemporary art, cultural festivals, and sustainability initiatives into its urban fabric. Programs like Transition to 8 exemplify how industrial cities can transition towards a more sustainable and culturally rich future, proving that reinvention is possible even in the most challenging urban landscapes.

Yerevan: Bridging Ancient Heritage and Urban Sustainability

As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan carries a profound historical legacy while facing the environmental pressures of rapid urbanization. Air pollution remains a major concern, with dust and nitrogen dioxide levels frequently exceeding safe limits. The sources of this pollution include heavy construction, mining, outdated waste management, and the Nubarashen landfill, which often self-combusts, releasing toxic substances into the air.

To address these issues, the city is working on modernizing its infrastructure. Efforts include transitioning public transportation to cleaner fuels and expanding green spaces. While reforestation initiatives have increased the city’s greenery, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that new tree plantings effectively replace lost canopy cover. Yerevan continues to navigate the balance between preserving its ancient past and modernizing for the future. By tackling pollution and promoting sustainable development, it is striving to become a healthier and more resilient city for future generations.

Conclusion: Cities in Transition

From the green innovations of Ljubljana to the cultural reinvention of Eleusis, the tech-driven sustainability of Rennes, and the environmental challenges of Yerevan, these cities exemplify different approaches to urban transformation. Although each city faces its own challenges, their dedication to sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovative urban planning shows how cities worldwide can adapt and thrive even in the face of climate change and rapid growth.

Through the Transition to 8 project, cities like these demonstrate how history, digital technology, and environmental awareness can converge to shape the future. Whether by repurposing industrial landscapes, revitalizing public spaces through art, or integrating social science practices in an effort to acknowledge the impact air-pollution has on their citizens' lives , they offer a vision for resilient and creative urban living. As urban centers worldwide seek to balance growth with environmental responsibility, these four cities offer valuable lessons in the utilisation of interdisciplinarity for a creative approach in sustainable urban development.