During the 16th-17th of October our team headed to Liverpool for the Healthy City Design International Congress. Delegates from around the world, representing a diverse range of stakeholders – from local governments and non-profit organisations to visionary companies and independent experts – came together to exchange experiences and insights on urban health over the course of 2 days.
The key takeaway? To place life at the heart of urban development, emphasising a “human-centred design” approach, while taking into account that realities are diverse and approaches will have to be adapted to the circumstances.
The discussions were rich in variety, covering themes and projects that demonstrated how we can achieve the goal of healthy cities. Among the hot topics were concepts like the “15-minute city,” the transformation of urban axes into lush greenways, alternative modes of mobility, the pursuit of housing equity, and fostering community engagement. These ideas, though diverse in nature, all shared a common vision of creating urban spaces that prioritise the well-being of their inhabitants.
With 2 of our abstracts accepted, we presented the Healthy Cities Generator live, and presented examples, case studies, and pilots from our work with a poster and video.
One standout moment of the congress was this presentation on the Healthy Cities Generator. The practical tool for health-centred urban design was applauded for its practicality, innovation, smart design, and relevance, earning the Generator the prize of Best Research Paper for the previous research work and tool development.
In essence, the Healthy City Design International Congress in Liverpool was a celebration of collaboration and innovation, where the global community came together to share their experiences and ideas for creating healthier cities. As we look to the future, the “Healthy Cities Generator” represents a beacon of hope for urban planners and designers worldwide, providing them with the means to put health at the centre of their designs and make our cities truly healthy for all. With passion, innovation, and dedication, we can build a world of cities that prioritise the well-being of their residents, making every urban environment a healthier, happier place to live.
Want to know more about our presentations? Check out our poster!
