How can cities be reimagined as urban spaces where nature, culture, and technology coexist to create sustainable, inclusive communities? Thomas Girst (BMW Group) moderates a vibrant DLD Future Hub discussion with architect Stefano Boeri, Valencia City Councillor Paula Llobet, and Berlin activist Emiko Gejic.
The session explores how cities can embrace circularity, sustainability, and digital innovation while nurturing their unique character and community spirit.
Stefano Boeri, the architect behind Milan’s celebrated “vertical forest”, emphasizes the transformative power of integrating living nature into architecture. Plants and trees are not just decoration, he emphasizes. “They absorb CO2, produce oxygen, shade the buildings and reduce the consumption of energy for cooling the interior of the building.”
Boeri’s vision extends to “forest cities” in countries like China and Mexico, where buildings are designed not only for humans but also for trees and birds, creating ecosystems that combat global warming and improve urban life.
Paula Llobet highlights Valencia’s innovative approach to sustainability, calling it a “living lab” where technology and citizen engagement intersect. The city deploys IoT sensors and digital dashboards to collect data and make evidence-based decisions on urban challenges, from climate change to mobility. “What we want is to continue growing but never lose the quality of life” she says.
Emiko Gejic underscores the cultural and social dimensions of urban life. “The creative scene, the club culture and the nightlife are a vital part of what makes a city livable”, she says. However, gentrification and rising cost of living can pose a threat to communities who enrich cities in this way.
Gejic calls for bottom-up solutions and argues that cities should listen more to marginalized communities, who often pioneer solutions for urban gardening, housing, and cultural expression that top-down planning overlooks.
Watch the video for more insights into urban planning and designing smart cities for a better future.
