Urban trends 

September 2022

Urban areas are strongly shaped by their inhabitants, they are sensitive to the greatest challenges of our times, and still must be future-oriented and sustainable. Every urban development reflects the values of its communities, its history and authenticity: no place is the same. However, certain movements seen across Europe today could be a good inspiration for everyone.

Social cohesion

Planning is changing and becoming more inclusive: the concept of feminist cities is changing urban areas and local policies with the promise of a fair distribution of the space, safer for everyone. Changes include big national campaigns about harassment in public transport, to municipalities increasing their offers of public toilets.

New shapes of the urban space

The public spaces are becoming more flexible and adaptive, shifting with the behaviour of its users, by local initiatives, such as pedestrians taking over the streets, to municipal policies, like turning roofs green. Big data has been assisting planners to understand the preferences of users and serving as argument for convincing decision makers.

Digital Transformation

Digitalisation is currently contributing to the management of resources, and to the promotion of resilience and quality of life. These tools are facilitating our lives, from mobility to social coexistence. On one hand, we are suddenly used to AI surveillance and constant ruptures in our privacy. On the other hand, the digitalisation of planning has opened new channels for democratic participation, making local groups able to become co-authors of places.

Co-production