We are excited to announce the first TWIN2EXPAND Intensive Summer School: Enhancing the connectivity of neighbourhoods. The application of evidence-based design in master planning of linear parks, taking place at the University of Cyprus, 19 June – 3 July 2024.

Linear parks have a long history and have grown in popularity in urban areas. They may offer many benefits, such as providing more access to green spaces, lengthy protected routes for cyclists and pedestrians, opportunities for businesses and continuous greenery for biodiversity. However, they may also carry negative trade-offs, such as acting as barriers between communities if difficult to cross, or reinforcing separation between different road users, thus diminishing efforts to make the urban environment more widely human-centered.    

This summer school comprises a series of lectures and training sessions on GIS, spatial analysis, field work, space syntax methodology and integrated urban modelling. The school centers around a local case study: the Pedieos Linear Park in Nicosia, which is currently undergoing master planning efforts aimed at enhancing access to and across the park, as well as improving its infrastructure and facilities.