Join us at this international conference to explore the role of placemaking and public space in creating sustainable cities

sustainable cities … sustainable communities … sustainable living …

These concepts are taxing politicians and practitioners across the world – from downtown Detroit to the planned eco-cities in China.

Much thought has been given to the ways in which our homes and offices, our transport options and our lifestyle decisions can be made more sustainable.

But what about the spaces between the buildings? The networks of greenspaces, civic spaces and streets where people meet and live out their day-to-day lives … the spaces where children play … the infrastructure which supports cycling and walking and reduces the impacts of climate change … the spaces which combine with our built environment to create a sense of place.

This two-day conference will bring together an international audience to discuss the role of public space and green networks in creating truly sustainable cities – cities which have a reduced impact on the environment, which cope better with the consequences of global climate change and where people want to live and work.

Great Places, Great Cities 2009 is being hosted in Glasgow - one of Europe’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, home to the art nouveau architectural treasures of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and on the doorstep of some of Scotland’s most glorious countryside. The former ship-building powerhouse has undergone a cultural and economic renaissance and in 2004 was re-branded as Glasgow: Scotland with Style. US travel magazine Frommer’s voted Glasgow one of the top ten ‘must-see’ up and coming destinations for 2006. Buchanan Street in the city centre was named by the Academy of Urbanism as the finest shopping street in Britain in 2007 and has been rated as one of the top 10 shopping streets in the world.

Conference Programme

The conference features a range of keynote speakers, themed presentations and workshops exploring placemaking and city regions both in Scotland and internationally. The main conference venue is Glasgow City Chambers with some sessions being held in other city locations to allow delegates to see and learn more about the issues being discussed. Topics being covered include:

• transforming cities through developing people-focused spaces
• green infrastructure supporting sustainable lifestyles
• health promoting environments and the importance of local environment
• the role of multi-functional spaces in climate change mitigation and adaptation
• green networks regenerating post–industrial and derelict areas
• habitat networks and biodiversity
• healthy child-friendly environments
• cultural sustainability – the role of creative and celebratory spaces
• active management – encouraging sustainable use of spaces
• the role of civic leaders in delivering sustainable cities
• the role of communities in delivering sustainable cities
  

Full Conference programme available here

Visit the Conference website at: http://www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/GreatPlacesGreatCities