The thematic dossier in this issue 48 holds special significance for the journal CIDADES, Comunidades e Territórios (CITIES, Communities and Territories). It pays a modest tribute to one of its founders, Vítor Matias Ferreira, who passed away a year ago. The dossier includes a collection of testimonies from people who closely followed part of his research journey in urban studies, as well as from the person who helped him establish and strengthen this journal, which we value deeply. A limited number of testimonies will inevitably fall short of capturing the full impact of someone who was actively involved in civic and intellectual life throughout his career, influencing multiple generations. However, as preserving collective memories becomes increasingly crucial in our fast-paced, information-overloaded era that often fosters social apathy, we hope this dossier will spark interest in Vítor Matias Ferreira's work among younger generations. This would be one of the greatest tributes we can offer him (^{Gato, 2024}).

Beyond the tribute dossier, this issue features five articles, three essays, and two policy briefs, covering a wide range of themes and reflections. The first article addresses a significant challenge faced by university students in Portugal: finding accommodation near their universities. Authored by Daniela Sofia Neto and Raquel Ribeiro, “Student Accommodation Crisis in Portugal: Analysis of Public Opinion on Social Networks” examines how the country's ongoing housing crisis, compounded by tourism-related issues, exacerbates this problem. The article is based on an exploratory study of news and social media comments. The conclusion reveals that while the shortage of student accommodation has been a persistent issue, it has worsened in recent years, and public policies are not addressing it quickly enough.

The second article also focuses on university students. Titled “Consumption, Use, and Disposal Patterns of Electric Devices Among University Students in Mar del Plata, Argentina,” and authored by Greta Clickenspoor and colleagues, it offers an innovative perspective on the use of electric devices by young generations. The article also examines the e-waste generated by this usage and the life cycle of these devices. The unavoidable issue of sustainability is brought into this reflection in a very pertinent way. Given the exponential global increase in the use of electronic devices, the responses in terms of recycling and treatment of this type of waste do not seem to be keeping pace. The quantitative survey conducted by the authors reveals concerning conclusions and provides directions that should be seriously considered by all citizens, both in Argentina and globally.

The third article, titled "Immigration and Urban Life: Research Results and Trends with Young People in São Paulo City (Brazil)," continues to focus on younger generations, but highlights different issues. Authors Sílvia Borelli, Simone Pereira, Rosana Soares, and Maria Paiva analyse the daily living conditions of young migrants in São Paulo. This exploratory study, part of an international research network, aims to identify various vulnerabilities faced by these young people in a complex urban environment. Although the primary goal of this quantitative study was to establish a foundation for subsequent qualitative research, the presented data already offers valuable insights into the various dimensions of mobility in the lives of these young people and its impact on urban space.

“Dissonances in the revitalization policies of the central area of Recife: advances and challenges of urban transformations (2000-2023)” is the title of the fourth article, authored by Eunice Abascal and Carlos Abascal Bilbao. Drawing on a series of projects and urban interventions in Recife, the authors demonstrate how urban renewal and city development have been driven by a business-oriented alliance between the property market and public officials. This collaboration has led to rising land values and the privatization of land use. These changes have significant impacts, including the physical and social remodelling of the central area and the promotion of an elitist occupation of the city, characterized by gentrification.

The final article remains in Brazil with two case studies from different regions, examining the role of creative dynamics in the relationship between communities and urban spaces. “Creative Dynamics in Districts of Large Brazilian Metropolises: Botafogo (RJ) and Santa Tereza (BH)” is authored by João Luiz de Figueiredo, Ana Flávia Machado, Mariangela Antigo, Sílvia Corrêa, and Veranise Dubeux. By focusing on these two prominent creative neighbourhoods, their study provides insights into the complex management behind a wide range of activities, users, and producers. It also explores how such creative ecosystems can foster environments prone to various conflicts, diverse appropriations, and unique forms of governance.

The essays section opens with “Today’s Urban Planner as a Dynamic Agent of Sustainable Territory”, by Nataliya Barbera Alvarado and colleagues. According to the authors, the main goal of the text is to analyse the skills of urban planners in times of uncertainty, focusing on four variables: sustainability, political-administrative factors, infrastructure-territory, and social dimensions. This essay offers a broad and relevant reflection on the new demands faced by urban planning professionals, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary dialogues to address the complexities of socio-territorial dynamics and sustainability, including aspects such as construction.

The second essay, authored by Andréa Oliveira da Silveira and titled “Smart Cities and Neurodiversity: A Discussion on the Need for Inclusive Urban Spaces for All”, focuses on the established concept of smart cities. However, it brings an innovative perspective by highlighting the importance of prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as neurodivergent individuals. The essay advocates for inclusive urban spaces that enable everyone to participate in urban opportunities and benefit from the technological advances of smart cities. It underscores the necessity of considering neurodivergent people and other groups demanding social justice in the application of technology to urban environments, which often exacerbates the exclusion of certain groups.

The third essay, "Quinta do Ferro: From Participation to Gentrification Promoted by One Municipality," authored by Tiago Mota Saraiva, examines the Lisbon neighbourhood of Quinta do Ferro. The author reflects on the urban development process, highlighting the "nuances, contradictions, illusions, and disappointments" arising from the interplay between grassroots initiatives and institutionalized top-down planning practices. The descriptive account of events leads Saraiva to conclude that local authority planning often creates opportunities for large investors to capitalize on the commodification of urban spaces. This process can trigger gentrification, even when it is not explicitly recognized as such.

Two additional texts complement this issue in the policy brief section. The first one, “Access to land within international agendas and plans: which opportunities to strengthen public policies?”, by Cecília Delgado, addresses key themes for advocating access to land public policies in the context of sustainable development agendas. Delgado’s text aims to sensitize political decision-makers to the importance of consolidating and replicating Land Banks for agricultural production within national territories and incorporating them into territorial planning. To achieve this, she analyses various political and policy documents, offering criticisms and suggestions to enhance the current diagnostic framework.

“Social Participation in Land Regularization Processes of the Rede Moradia Assessoria in Brazil” concludes issue 48 of CITIES, Communities and Territories. Authored by Juliette Lenoir, Liza Maria Souza de Andrade, and Luis Magno de Oliveira Costa, this policy brief addresses the serious and complex housing problem in Brazil. It presents a reflection on social participation within Brazilian land regularization laws. Through the analysis of several cases, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of participatory mapping as a tool used by technical advisory groups. This tool facilitates dialogue between local communities and public authorities, supporting social struggles for housing and land regularization.

As summer invites everyone to take a well-deserved break, the editorial team of CITIES, Communities, and Territories wishes you all a happy holiday and enjoyable readings.