In an era of unprecedented urbanization, cities' challenges are numerous and complex, demanding innovative solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study explores the integration of the Doughnut Economy into urban regeneration strategies as a way to effectively address social inequalities and environmental challenges and achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
This work combines a literature review on the topics of the Doughnut Economy and urban regeneration, supported by semi-structured interviews with three groups of experts: i) in the application of the Doughnut model at the city scale; ii) involved in urban regeneration projects in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Copenhagen; and iii) representatives from the HUB-IN, NATUR-VATION, and LocalSDG projects. The study conducts an analysis of the alignment of Doughnut Economy principles with the four observed dimensions in urban regeneration: social, environmental, physical, and economic, resulting in a table illustrating this interaction. The findings show that Doughnut principles resonate with urban regeneration goals, covering all four dimensions. The interviews highlight the assumptions, complexities, and challenges of the model, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the influence of pioneering studies. They also underscore the significance of sustainable preservation of historical and cultural heritage (both material and immaterial). Furthermore, while direct impacts are still limited, given that the Doughnut Economy concept is relatively recent, there is a need for ongoing exploration, adaptation, and collaboration to better address urban challenges using Doughnut Economy tools and harness the potential of individual projects to tackle these issues. As urbanization shapes the cities, integrating the Doughnut Economy into urban regeneration strategies promises more equitable, resilient, and environmentally conscious urban development, offering a path toward a just and sustainable future.

Supervision Rita Lopes and João Pedro Gouveia