The Urbanism Hour - bumper edition: Learning from Europe
For this special edition of the Urbanism Hour we'll be joined by our 2023 European City of the Year finalists
The Urbanism Hour is the AoU's series of monthly webinars exploring a wide range of themes and the role they play in the built environment.
For November, we will have a special edition of the Urbanism Hour, featuring presentations from our three European City of the Year finalists (Amersfoort, Estepona, and Exeter) followed by a Q&A. Please note that this event will last 90 minutes rather than the standard 1 hour.
Amersfoort, Netherlands
Presented by Samareh Bloemberg-Marx and Arno Goossens, Gemeente Amersfoort
Co-Lead Assessor Jon Phipps said: “Amersfoort benefits from a shared a long-term vision for the city which prioritises improving citizens’ quality of life. Well-resourced forward planning, development control, and regeneration teams enable this vision through detailed policies and impressive new infrastructure, while maintaining its unique heritage and character. The wellbeing and happiness of all of citizens is clearly the focus, from moves to limit car access to the historic city centre, to the provision of diverse and good quality affordable homes.”
Estepona, Spain
Presented by José María García Urbano, Mayor of Estepona, and Aleksandra Broch, Estespona Turismo
Co-Lead Assessor Tony Duggan said: “Estepona is recognised nationally as a city where outstanding leadership and good governance has rapidly produced long-standing transformation. Everyone has a sense of safety, belonging, and opportunity, and it is clear that investment in public spaces and functions have revitalised the city for existing residents and created long-term social and economic value. The ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ initiative in particular has given Estepona a distinctive character through new planting and paving – one part of how the city has been transformed into an authentic and family-orientated place with an emphasis on quality and culture.”
Exeter, England
Presented by Ian Collinson, Director of City Development
Co-Lead Assessor Tony Duggan said: “Exeter and its citizens have a strong identity, sense of purpose, and direction for their future. The city has transformed in recent decades into a thriving modern place with strong emphasis on education, culture, and commerce – cementing its attraction in terms of liveability, intellect, and social value. Its uniquely strong relationship with its physical natural setting and its good connectivity have been major influences on Exeter’s success, and it is continuing to invest in ways to build upon this and nurture its social value and capital”
Non-Member Ceremony attendees: if you bought a ticket for the Awards Ceremony, you will automatically be sent joining instructions for this Urbanism Hour on the morning of the event.