Planning for people means a new approach to urban regeneration, setting aside the traditional focus of the ‘place’ in favour of the ‘people’. By harnessing the skills, creativity, energy and ideas of the citizens, city authorities can redevelop areas with a view to promoting social cohesion.
Increasingly, every city faces challenges of inequality, immigration and security, so public spaces that can be enjoyed by the whole community offer an ideal opportunity to address these issues. By taking this a step further and involving the community in the entire redevelopment process, projects can better meet the needs of the people and more effectively tackle these challenges.
This year’s keynote address will come from renowned Genoese architect and planner, Renzo Piano, who will set the tone for the conference. Fully familiar with the challenges of redeveloping urban areas, Piano launched Genoa’s Urban Lab in 2008 with a view to regenerating the historic city.
At the frontline of southern Mediterranean migration, Genoa is well-placed to host the mayors’ debate, a private political discussion around the theme of managing migration flows. The debate offers the chance for mayors to exchange ideas and discuss ways of better managing this politically sensitive agenda.
PROGRAMME
