On January 1, 2025, FARI—AI for the Common Good Institute (VUB & ULB)—became a part of the MultiRoofs project, which will run until June 30, 2029. This initiative, funded by INTERREG NWE, unites 16 partners from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany to tackle urban issues such as climate adaptation, energy transitions, and housing shortages. The project aims to develop solutions that support the transformation of rooftops in Northwest Europe into multifunctional spaces for renewable energy, biodiversity, water absorption, recreation, and housing. The project’s objective is to enhance urban efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. 

About MultiRoofs

MultiRoofs is a transnational initiative funded by INTERREG NWE, a program supporting cross-border cooperation to address shared challenges in Northwest Europe. The growing scarcity of urban space in NWE region results in pressing challenges such as climate change, energy demands, and limited housing. For example, the Netherlands has more than 1,300 km² of unutilized rooftop space, offering immense potential for innovation. These rooftops can be utilized for sustainable energy production, fostering biodiversity, managing water runoff, providing recreational areas, and even creating housing. The transformation of rooftops into multifunctional spaces can facilitate better coping with climate change and urban expansion while preserving a high quality of life.

The MultiRoofs project brings together a diverse group of public authorities, research institutions, private entities, and NGOs from across Northwest Europe. Key partners include Dublin City University (DCU), Open & Agile Smart Cities (OASC), Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Codema (Dublin’s Energy Agency), Region Île-de-France, the City of Brussels, Rotterdam, Mannheim, and Mechelen, as well as organizations like MVRDV, Rooftop Revolution, Roofscapes, and FARI—AI for the Common Good Institute Brussels (ULB and VUB). 

Cutting-edge technology utilized in the MultiRoofs project facilitates the efficient transformation of rooftops. The Digital Twins technology provides an innovative approach to creating virtual representations of urban areas, visualizing large-scale cityscapes, monitoring rooftop conditions, and analyzing extensive datasets. These tools will enable efficient planning and implementation of multifunctional rooftop solutions, ensuring informed decision-making across the region.

FARI’s Involvement in MultiRoofs

FARI takes the lead in the communication efforts for MultiRoofs, disseminating knowledge and the project milestones. Additionally, FARI contributes to the development of digital twin tools for visualizing and managing urban rooftop spaces. The tools will be integrated into the CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) at FARI, providing an immersive platform for exploring and refining solutions. Additionally, FARI offers training sessions and workshops to public authorities and stakeholders, empowering them to effectively use these tools and incorporate multifunctional rooftop solutions into their urban planning. 

Contact

Martin Canter, FARI Head of Smart Region Hub: martin.canter@fari.brussels