Foto: VisitOSLO/Nancy Bundt
Foto: VisitOSLO/Nancy Bundt

The human city – where people can thrive

When we talk about The Human City, it`s four elements that keeps popping into mind. Public space, Placemaking, Inclusive cities and Safe cities. In this article, we present some hot examples concerning the first two linked up to safety. It just might give you something to think about.

Creating cool public spaces

Developing sustainable and smart societies requires much more than just technological solutions. We should aim to develop areas where people can thrive, feel safe and participate in different kind of activities. E.g., a park should not only be a park, but a park with a fountain, a playground, food trucks, etc. Why? Diversity when it comes to activities attracts a mix of people; they’ll feel included and taken care of. A city that facilitates positive atmosphere amongst its citizens, is a city on the right track.

See your city in a new light

Public space belongs to all of us – or at least, it should. Oslo encourages people to use public transport, walk or use their bicycles. But in order to achieve this, people need to feel that walking at night is just as safe as sitting inside their own car. Have you ever considered that improved streetlights could make a difference? Or, is “moonwalking” the only alternative on offer in your city?

Lighting is an exciting field. Like music, it has the ability to make us feel happy, sad, safe, scared and even warned etc. In Los Angeles, they have taken an offensive approach. They will introduce smart streetlights that might blink if a police car or ambulance is on its way, or make it extra bright at night time for pedestrians. No doubt, the lights in LA and other technological solutions that make people feel safer is something to keep an eye out for in the years to come. That’s what the Evolve Arena conference the 12th of May 2020 is all about; we’ll show you how to create smarter life in human cities.

Placemaking – a strategy to increase quality of life

Placemaking is a strategy for co-creation that focuses on economic and social well-being, as well as quality of life. Public space quality is the backbone to a sustainable city. Cities need great streets supported by places that intuitively captivate users to want to stay longer. Why? If public squares and parks are planned around major public destinations, they build local economies, civic pride, social connection and human happiness.

Placemaking isn’t all about new projects. Sometimes taking care of an old tradition is just as important. Did you know that historically, markets are the most productive and dynamic places in our cities? Markets do many things for cities, including but not limited to encouraging entrepreneurship, sustaining farmland around cities, strengthening ties between urban and rural areas and improving access to fresh food. Its also a place where people solidify the social ties that are essential to a healthy society.

At Evolve Arena, we provide you with information, inspiration and motivation to make changes. It’s when you’re able to see the bigger picture and connect the dots between The Mobile, The Circular and the Human City that people start thriving.

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