Urban planning: A better life for all

Affordable housing, CO2 emissions from the building sector, quality of life in urban and rural areas - the German Academy for Urban and Regional Planning and urban planners in local authorities are among many others dealing with these current challenges.

The aim is to improve living conditions in cities and communities and adapt them to the consequences of the climate crisis, for example. Urban spaces need more water, more trees and more shade. But contrary to what many believe, the development of a blue-green city is less a technological project than a social one. It is important to think systemically and beyond the local level. Only through forward-looking planning action by municipalities, cities and federal states can spatial and structural development be managed in such a way that socio-political values about an appropriate living environment are realised today and for future generations.

The Building Code dates back to 1960, and although it has been amended and improved time and again, it is still not up to the challenges of the 21st century. These include climate and environmental protection, climate adaptation, resource protection, land conservation and the conversion of existing buildings. There is a need for action if people's quality of life is to be maintained and improved in the future. The time frames for the transformation to sustainability are tight. The goal is a better life for all. The focus is on people with their different economic opportunities. 

"Well-being in living and working spaces is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the requirements for multifunctional room concepts that have to meet high energy and environmental standards are increasing," explains Prof Dr Conrad Völker, Head of the Building Physics Department at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The Building Physics Days 2024 focussed on topics such as energy supply, refurbishment, thermal and moisture protection, fire protection, indoor climate and building and room acoustics.

To summarise: everyone is involved in the development of our cities, not only urban planners, architects and engineers, but also and especially the city's residents. Involving them in the development processes in the form of participation forums is therefore of great importance. 

(Photo: Falco, Pixabay)