Sveučilište u Splitu - Fakultet građevinarstva, arhitekture i geodezije University of Split - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy

The RESILIO project is focused on the integrated assessment of the vulnerability and resilience of Diocletian’s Palace in Split, one of the most important cultural and historical symbols of the city, which is facing multiple environmental and infrastructural challenges. Through a multidisciplinary approach that brings together experts in structural engineering, geotechnics, architecture, art history, hydraulics, and applied mathematics, the project investigates the cumulative impact of climate change, groundwater, urbanization, earthquakes, and marine influences on the structural integrity and long-term resilience of the Palace. Under conditions of increasing pressure on urban heritage, traditional conservation approaches often fail to address the complex, interacting hazards affecting historic structures. To respond to this challenge, the RESILIO project develops an innovative framework for resilience assessment by combining hazard identification, advanced monitoring methods, and numerical modelling, along with strong collaboration with local stakeholders and the City of Split. Particular emphasis is placed on a participatory approach, open science, and the creation of a foundation for systematic and transparent risk management in urban environments rich in cultural heritage.

Project objectives:

C1. Identify and classify the hazards affecting Diocletian’s Palace, with emphasis on climate change, sea-level rise, urbanization, seismic activity, hydrological processes, and anthropogenic pressures such as tourism.

C2. Develop a methodology for assessing vulnerability and resilience at the level of individual microlocations within the Palace, based on real measurements and spatial analysis.

C3. Establish a system for continuous physical and environmental monitoring of pilot microlocations, using advanced sensor technologies and real-time tracking of key parameters.

C4. Improve and test numerical models for simulating the behavior of structures under different combinations of hazards (seismic, climatic, tourist-related).

C5. Connect scientific research with the needs of the local community through a participatory approach, including student engagement and open science tools.

The URB-NAT project explores an integrated approach to green, sustainable construction and the revitalization of the existing built environment through the use of natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials for the strengthening and construction of masonry, timber, and reinforced concrete structures. The scientific relevance of the project lies in the development of new materials and methodologies that address contemporary challenges related to earthquake resilience and climate risks, particularly in urban areas. The project combines civil engineering with architectural and urban planning approaches to the regeneration of the housing stock, including transport analyses of possible sustainable transport systems, thereby achieving a strong interdisciplinary character. Its contribution is reflected in the advancement of knowledge about natural materials, innovations in structural strengthening, and architectural and urban planning evaluation and spatial planning. The project results will be applicable to the preservation of cultural heritage, increasing safety in seismically vulnerable areas, and improving sustainable practices and transport solutions in urban planning. The URB-NAT project contributes to the goals of national and European strategies (green transition, S3, sustainable construction) and lays the foundation for future applications to international competitive calls and for strengthening the institution’s scientific excellence.

Main objectives of the URB-NAT project:

1. Integration of contemporary urban planning and architectural approaches in the regeneration of existing residential areas
Develop a methodological framework for applying architectural and urban planning strategies for the renewal of housing stock in urban environments, in line with contemporary needs and climate resilience requirements.

2. Optimization of the transport system in the regeneration process of existing residential areas 
Examine different scenarios for implementing transport-engineering and construction measures aimed at increasing traffic efficiency and safety, and reducing noise and exhaust emissions, in line with modern requirements for climate resilience and sustainable mobility.

3. Enhancement of scientific excellence through the development and application of natural materials for construction and the renewal of the urban environment
Investigate and implement environmentally friendly materials (wood, biocomposites, etc.) for new construction and the strengthening of existing structures.

4. Increasing the resilience of the built environment to seismic and climate risks
Develop methods for structural strengthening to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards.

5. Strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation between civil engineering, architecture, and urban planning
Encourage collaboration among different disciplines to achieve a holistic approach to sustainable construction and revitalization.

Sustainability and sustainable development are the main issues addressed by the 2030 Agenda. It was published in 2015 and consists of 17 global Sustainable Development Goals and their associated indicators, which are to be achieved by 2030. The main objective of the 2030 Agenda is the sustainable development of the entire world.

The issue addressed by this project during the 2026–2030 period is the contribution of the geodetic and geoinformatics profession to the 2030 Agenda, supported by the theoretical foundation of mathematics, and providing guidelines for further actions in the field of construction. This will relate both directly and indirectly to the areas of energy, water management, ecology, climate change, efficient coastal cities and settlements, as well as seas and marine resources. Indirectly, the project will also have an impact on economic, social, and societal development, as well as on education.

The implementation covers the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and their direct and indirect indicators, specifically Goals 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14. The main objective of the project is the sustainability of coastal areas and islands and their further development, both at sea and on land.

This will establish a framework enabling the high-quality realization of an integrated whole at both theoretical and practical levels, resulting in robust theoretical models as well as high-quality geospatial data and geospatial data products that meet the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

There are three main project objectives aimed at fulfilling specific elements of the 2030 Agenda, which will involve both young researchers and students in scientific research processes:

A: Implementation of modern digital technologies, including theoretical foundations and data collection.

B: Processing of collected data using various modelling approaches, statistical and targeted methods, as well as multi-criteria analysis and geospatial database modelling methods.

C: Development of high-quality geospatial data and geospatial data products on a blue-green technological platform, which will significantly enhance the scientific foundation necessary for the continued development of the 2030 Agenda beyond its target timeframe.