Rethinking urbanisation: designing cities in harmony with nature and communities

In Medan 2024, launching Peace Circle movement

I recently came across a lecture by Marc Palahí at Yale titled "Building a Planetary Solution: Regenerative Architectural Strategies for a Planet in Crisis." His words truly resonated with me:

"We shape our cities, and then they shape us – our economy, our wellbeing, and our relationship with nature."

This thought perfectly encapsulates why rethinking urbanisation is essential. Interestingly, Marc is not just an esteemed expert to me – he was also my neighbor years ago, and we collaborated over 20 years ago when he was leading the European Forest Institute (EFI) in Joensuu, Finland. Even back then, he was deeply passionate about sustainability and the role of forests in shaping a greener future.

The way we design and develop our cities directly affects not only our daily lives but also the health of our planet. If we continue to build in ways that disconnect us from nature, we reinforce an unsustainable system. But if we reimagine urban spaces to work with nature rather than against it, we can create environments where people, biodiversity, and the economy thrive together.

This is where Peace Circle®, the New European Bauhaus (NEB), and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) align in a shared vision.

New European Bauhaus: Aesthetic, Sustainable, and Inclusive Cities

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) promotes an approach that combines sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity. It envisions cities that are not just functional but also inspiring and fostering a sense of belonging. Peace Circle® closely aligns with this vision by designing community-centered green spaces that enhance well-being and strengthen people’s connection to nature.

Circular Bioeconomy Alliance: Cities in Symbiosis with Nature

As CEO of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, Marc Palahí has emphasized the need for urban spaces to evolve in symbiosis with nature. This means moving away from linear models of consumption and waste and instead adopting regenerative solutions where natural processes are integrated into urban design. Peace Circle® creates living laboratories of sustainability in urban spaces, integrating architecture, green spaces, and community-driven initiatives.

From Rethinking to Action: What’s Next?

Rethinking urbanisation is not just a theoretical concept – it requires concrete action. How do we move from vision to practice?

• Could we pilot Peace Circle® projects in cities committed to this transformation?

• What opportunities exist for collaboration with NEB and CBA to bring this vision to life?

• How can we scale these initiatives to influence urban planning policies in Europe and beyond?
  

This is an open call for discussion and collaboration. If you are working on urban sustainability, community-led regeneration, or bio-based solutions for cities, let’s connect. The future of urbanisation is one where people and nature thrive together.