Projections indicate that over 70% of the world’s population will inhabit cities by 2050*, intensifying the demand for housing and infrastructure. The Netherlands exemplifies this trend, where the housing shortage is expected to rise to 415,000 homes** by the end of 2024. This trend is not just a temporary surge but is projected to continue at least until 2028***, highlighting the urgency for innovative solutions in urban development.
Similar trends can be observed in Berlin and Barcelona, where the influx of residents in recent years has led to rising rental prices and a shortage of affordable housing, prompting the city to consider various measures, such as rent controls. In addition, as climate change poses new challenges for cities globally, including increased rainfall, there is a pressing need for adaptive and absorbent infrastructure to manage these impacts effectively.[Fig. 1]