As urban centres in Europe begin to reopen, we take a look at how cities have dealt with the COVID-19, to what extent this pandemic has affected urban health, and how planners can reconcile urban proximity frameworks with the “new normal”.

Experts agree that there is the potential to lock in the reduction in air pollution, which has been observed in many places, especially in cities. But as people begin to go back to work and don’t feel safe using public transport, there is the risk to instead lock in a huge increase in car use and pollution.

Cities are anticipating a low-carbon strategy out of lockdowns by respacing roads to boost active travel and relieve pressure on public transport. Planning concepts such as the "Superblocks" in Barcelona and the “15-minute city” in Paris are recreating the urban proximity we have lost with city sprawl, by designing short distances at the neighbourhood scale and greening public space for people.

Will cities keep temporary bike lanes in place after lockdown measures are lifted? How can we rebuild trust in mass transit? How to lock in the health benefits of active travel?

We’ll hear great examples of how city leaders around the globe are supporting a recovery that is green, sustainable and equitable for citizens and we’ll learn how these concepts can develop flexible frameworks to create healthy places for people in a changing world.

/// AGENDA ///

/// WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION ///

Florinda Boschetti, Head of City Club at EIT Urban Mobility

/// PRESENTATIONS ///

Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of Urban Planning, Environment and Health, ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health

Caroline Watson, Programme Director Transport and Urban Planning, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

Prof. Carlos Moreno, Scientific director of the Chair Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation, University Panthéon Sorbonne - IAE Paris

/// PANEL DEBATE AND CONCLUSIONS ///