The Urbanist What we learned at the World Design Congress
Sep 18, 2025
Renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster discusses how public spaces can reshape urban life, advocating for walkable, low-carbon cities. He emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement in city planning. Landscape architect Julia Watson shares insights on indigenous knowledge and low-tech solutions for resilience against climate change, showcasing ancient practices in modern design. The conversation also touches on Seattle’s new Waterfront Park, highlighting its community-focused approach and innovative urban planning.
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Design + Technology Improve Lives
- Design and technology together can raise quality of life while reducing carbon footprints.
- Norman Foster argues we already have the means to live well and cut emissions.
Public Space Triumphs Buildings
- Foster cites Trafalgar Square and the Millennium Bridge as his proudest projects because they transformed public life.
- He says public spaces improved urban life far more than any single building.
Choice Matters In New Cities
- Rapid urbanisation will create many new cities and offers a choice in how they grow.
- Foster says compact, walkable cities with good transit consume roughly half the energy of sprawled cities.
