In conclusion, the Home Silk Road was a transformative project on the theme of housing. It sought to create an inclusive neighbourhood with culture at its core. While the project achieved several notable successes, it also faced challenges and limitations that offer important lessons for future urban initiatives.
One of the key achievements of the project was the successful renovation of the heritage building into a multifunctional space for housing, culture, social economy, and solidarity activities. This transformation demonstrates the potential for repurposing iconic structures in urban development.
The project also introduced innovative mobile and modular temporary housing, offering improved living conditions for families experiencing homelessness. However, it became evident that this temporary housing did not provide a long-term solution to the families’ problems.
Circular and inclusive construction techniques employed in the project showcased the potential for environmentally sustainable construction practices. The use of work integration clauses in construction work was another valuable lesson, emphasizing the importance of such practices in public procurement.
The project's participatory approach was a significant aspect, although it faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in engaging residents effectively. Future projects should carefully consider the precise target audience for engagement, and exactly what they want to engage them for.
The two phases of temporary occupation showed that this can play a pivotal role in revitalizing urban areas.
The project underscored the power of culture in supporting inclusion and connecting people. However, it also revealed the challenges of sustained engagement and inclusion in the case of displacement.
Overall, the Home Silk Road project provides valuable recommendations for other urban authorities looking to embark on innovative projects. These include building strong partnerships based on trust and shared vision, focusing on housing inclusion, considering multi-level governance, designing projects with a long-term impact, and recognizing the importance of ambitious, long-term public policy for inclusive housing in dynamic urban areas. While the project had its successes and challenges, its legacy offers valuable insights for future sustainable urban development initiatives, reinforcing the importance of holistic, sustainable, and inclusive approaches to building better cities for all.