All Things Urban

As the world gets warmer, cities are getting warmer faster than surrounding lands. Without sufficient adaptation on the part of urban authorities, this heat will increasingly kill vulnerable inhabitants. At the same time, heat often coincides with drought: the global urban population exposed to water scarcity is set to increase by at least 81% between 2016 and 2050. Heat will cause water scarcity, just as water can also help with heat. While the first cities to be affected will be in the Global South, cities in Global Northern countries are starting to consistently face the same challenges. How can urban policy actors solve this dilemma? In Catalonia, authorities are innovating water governance during droughts and heatwaves.

In a world shaken by unprecedented challenges, our understanding of wellbeing has undergone a profound transformation. We have come to recognize how deeply our mental and physical health intertwines with our urban surroundings. Against this backdrop, interior designers and housing operators are stepping up as pivotal forces in city development, championing holistic wellbeing within shared living spaces. Let's explore the facets of intentional design that can amplify well-being in these urban settings.

As the world continues to urbanize at a rapid pace, the need for professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge and soft skills is on the rise. The field of urban studies is becoming increasingly complex, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, from architecture and engineering to social sciences and economics. New multidisciplinary education programs, such as the Bachelor in Urban Studies by IE University, are designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a rapidly evolving urban environment. So, what specific skills are required, and which crucial trends should aspiring urban professionals monitor to remain highly sought-after in the field?

Inhabiting space - whether it be a rural town or a massive metropolis, is an integral part of the human experience, and within our urban encounters lie many stories about the lives we’ve led. Drawing on my experiences of open space in four of the places I’ve lived - Johannesburg, Amsterdam, Cape Town and Brighton - I’ve had a glimpse into the differences and similarities of urban life in these places. What is open space and why do we need it?

One of our community members, journalist and blogger Michal Manor, researched how Eindhoven - a smart and innovative city - is coping with the COVID-19 crisis. Michal believes that Eindhoven is a tolerant city, promoting the values of cooperation and togetherness, and she would like to share her insightful findings of the city's solutions to the ongoing pandemic.

Hey! It’s Valeria, from All Things Urban. We met a while ago, but never had a chance to get to know each other. I think it’s time to fix that – to tell you my story and share the philosophy behind All Things Urban.