New urban landscapes

New urban landscapes: how can new open spaces be created in densely built cities?

This event explores innovative ways to imagine, design and implement new open spaces within highly urbanised contexts. As European cities grow denser and available land becomes scarce, landscape architects are developing creative strategies to bring nature, social spaces and ecological value back into the urban fabric. Through this guided visit, participants will discover how overlooked, residual or underused areas can be transformed into vibrant public assets that support climate resilience and community wellbeing.

The session aims to introduce participants to a range of contemporary opportunities for creating urban open spaces, from reactivated streetscapes and small-scale pocket parks to reimagined infrastructural zones and hybrid public–private spaces, highlighting how landscape-led approaches can shape healthier, more inclusive and more climate-responsive cities.

The session is designed for policymakers, politicians, public administrations, citizens and community associations, as well as anyone interested in urban transformation or green infrastructure.

The format takes the form of a guided tour, offering an on-site exploration of exemplary urban sites. Throughout the visit, landscape architects share their professional perspective, discussing design approaches, project constraints and lessons learned. Participants have the opportunity to engage directly with experts, ask questions and reflect on how similar strategies could be applied in their own urban contexts.

By bringing participants into direct contact with real projects and the expertise of landscape architects, the event provides concrete insights into how European cities can reclaim space, enhance liveability and integrate nature-based solutions even where space is limited. It encourages forward-thinking dialogue on the future of urban landscapes and the role of open space in shaping more resilient neighbourhoods.