European Talk

URBAN RETROFIT & THE HEALTHY CITY

Collaborations, networks and partnerships play a key role in the world of tomorrow. In our current time, we are witnessing megatrends that deeply impact our society, communication, collaboration and the way we live and build our cities.

FINAL FORUM IN LONDON

Looking back on our successful event: London in Transition – Adapting Buildings to New Realities

ROADMAP

Paris in Transition – Urban Retrofit & the Healthy City

From the 15-minute city to the drive for social housing and green spaces, Paris has always been a frontrunner when it comes to innovative approaches to city planning. With the underlying understanding that the cities of the future have already been built, the city undergoes extensive refurbishments, blending historic charm with modern amenities for a healthier and future-proof urban environment. These upgrades prioritize green spaces, pedestrian-friendly zones and improved infrastructure. The city’s commitment to sustainability and well-being enhances its appeal, offering residents and visitors a revitalized experience that harmoniously fuses tradition and progress towards a healthier city. Together with renowned partners such as BNP Paribas Real Estate, Saint Gobain and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, we will undertake a tour through the city of Paris to experience exemplary solutions for the city’s aspiration of transforming its city.

Circular Approaches & Climate Adaptation

Step into the Netherlands, a global frontrunner in sustainable urban development, where innovative initiatives are shaping resilient cities for tomorrow. From pioneering flood defence systems to ambitious renewable energy projects, Dutch ingenuity and forward-thinking strategies exemplify a nation committed to combating climate change while fostering sustainable growth. Through efficient transportation networks and green infrastructure initiatives, Dutch cities serve as living laboratories for sustainable urban development, where circular economy practices permeate daily life for a continuous loop of sustainability. Here, collaboration and pragmatism drive progress as communities unite to tackle climate change and resource constraints head-on. Together with renowned partners such as Ahrend and Signify, we will dive into the innovative city of Eindhoven to uncover best practices and draw inspiration from their journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Productive City - Port and Industry: Integration Into the City Planning @Port of Antwerp

Antwerp, Europe's second-largest port, blends robust maritime and trade operations with a dynamic urban landscape, cementing its pivotal role in global logistics. The city boasts economic diversity and international reach. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Antwerp pioneers smart port technologies and green logistics, attracting forward-thinking investors and developers. This strategic development not only boosts economic growth but also enhances quality of life, making Antwerp a model of industry and urban vitality coexistence, and attracting a diverse workforce in new sectors like sustainable energy and tech startups.

Future Summit @Motorwerk Berlin - Pioneering Tomorrow's Real Estate, Industry and Infrastructure

The Future Summit marks one of the main stations on the journey through Europe’s leading-edge cities and functions as the homebase for collective learnings and new ideas to solve current issues covering aspects of real estate, sustainable buildings, healthy and human-centric city planning, data centers and green energy. Gathering multidisciplinary experts from across the continent at our venue in Berlin will provides a range of stimuli to spark discussions and create new connections between highly relevant sectors and experts.

Green Energy - Infrastructure, Mobility and Refurbishments

Stockholm epitomizes sustainability and prioritizes green energy – and innovative infrastructure and efficient mobility solutions are the norm. The city’s commitment to renewable energy sources, coupled with advanced infrastructure and eco-friendly transport options, creates a model for urban development that forms a symbiotic relationship between environmental consciousness and the demands of a modern, thriving metropolis. Their quest to adapt to green energies and sustainable solutions has made Stockholm a role model that many other cities look up to and aspire to emulate, which we will reflect on by taking a look at best practice examples and observe how leading experts engage in dialogue during panel discussions, keynotes and impulses.

London in Transition – Urban Retrofit & the Healthy City

Every city has its own approach to transforming and innovating its residents’ living experience and to changes in infrastructure and energy sources. London redefines urban living through refurbishment initiatives that seamlessly blend historical charm with modern health-centric design. Renovations prioritize green spaces, pedestrian-friendly zones and improved air quality. The city’s commitment to revitalizing spaces fosters a healthier environment, promoting the well-being of residents and enhancing London’s dynamic urban landscape. In partnership with Acumen7 and BCCG, we will be utilizing our growing networks to mobilize the ideal audience to match our expert speakers from highly relevant industries.

HUMANISATION, REAL ESTATE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Current turbulent times have risen many challenges. Our building stock within the Cities are considered a huge challenge for the sustainable transformation to future proof, energy efficient and healthy places. Urban retrofit refers to the process of upgrading and enhancing existing urban infrastructure to align with modern sustainability and health standards. This concept is crucial in shaping a healthy city, where the built environment directly influences the well-being of its inhabitants. By retrofitting urban spaces, cities can address issues like air pollution, inadequate green spaces, and inefficient transportation systems.

A healthy city promotes physical and mental well-being through thoughtful urban planning, incorporating features such as pedestrian-friendly zones, cycling lanes, and accessible green spaces. Retrofitting existing structures to be energy-efficient, incorporating green roofs, and implementing smart technologies contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. Additionally, promoting mixed-use development and prioritizing public transportation over individual car use fosters community engagement and reduces pollution.

What holistic strategies can be employed to cultivate cities that prioritize the well-being of inhabitants, promoting a communities and people-friendly environment?

How do we ensure the remain of heritage buildings and structures to maintain city‘s identity?

What requirements do buildings need to follow the creation of places for relaxation and mental health?

Which strategies should companies pursue to effectively align their sustainability goals with economic success?

How can architects & planners use design methods and principles to develop retrofitted and healthy cities?

How can rebuilding our stock be future proofed transformed to reach net-zero cities and save carbon emissions by 2050 latest?

What strategies can be implemented to retrofit urban infrastructure for greater environmental sustainability?

How do we balance transportation, energy and water needs with future concepts?

How do we become productive cities?

Our partners

Urban Density & the Vertical City

The European Talk 2023 concentrates on the prevention of urban sprawl and the imperative of densification, covering six European cities, their vertical and horizontal development visions and regional characteristics. We are pursuing more inclusive, community-centred solutions that not only address sustainability, but also promote the well-being and cohesion of people in evolving urban landscapes.