This contribution refers to a cooperation between ENSA Paris-Belleville and University of Naples Federico II concerning the Build Back Better of the Italian hamlet of Sant’Eusanio Forconese that was struck by the 2009 earthquake. Considering the complexity determined by the current multiple crises, the reconstruction process has to be rethought. Within these transformation processes and their corresponding temporalities, place-based academic activities – e.g., through living labs – merging together education, research and third mission can represent a tool for activating, boosting and guiding public engagement, strengthening networks and renovating policies. Since the “Intervenir dans un territoire à risque: vulnérabilités, enjeux, opportunités” workshop experience, universities will be proposed as game changers. Keywords: Build Back Better, living-lab, territorial sustainability, third mission, time-based design.