Abstract:

The European project ENACT-15mC (Envisioning Neighbourhoods and Co-creating Thriving Communities for 15-minute Cities) proposes a more sustainable, inclusive, and liveable urban model, where citizens can access essential services within fifteen minutes of their homes. In this context, higher education plays a key role in training future professionals capable of understanding and addressing the complexity of urban life and the management of architectural heritage. This paper presents a teaching experience developed at the Universitat Politècnica de València, aimed at raising awareness and fostering the active participation of students in the improvement of urban environments from a heritage perspective. Through innovative methodologies based on collaborative learning, interdisciplinary fieldwork, and digital participatory mapping tools, students analyse the architectural and social values of neighbourhoods, identify spaces with potential for revitalisation—such as traditional and artisanal businesses—and propose strategies that integrate both tangible and intangible heritage as resources for urban quality of life. Aligned with the objectives of the ENACT-15mC project, this experience promotes the connection between teaching, research, and territory, encouraging awareness of built heritage as a driver of social cohesion, sustainability, and citizen well-being. The results highlight the value of active learning and community engagement in university education committed to the future of cities.

Keywords:

15-minute city, Urban heritage, Sustainability education, Active learning, Citizen participation, ENACT 15mC, Higher education innovation.