Urbanistica Podcast - Cities for People
Mustafa Sherif
A podcast about how we plan and design cities for people. Tune in and join listeners from over 145 countries.
I'm Mustafa Sherif, an Urbanist, Placemaker and studio manager based in Sweden. In this podcast, I interview people working in architecture, Palcemaking, urban planning and design about their projects, processes, methods, handbooks, challenges, leadership, and passions in life.
It’s not just about projects, it’s about the people behind projects.
In collaboration with AFRY (Urban Planning and Design section in Stockholm).
I'm Mustafa Sherif, an Urbanist, Placemaker and studio manager based in Sweden. In this podcast, I interview people working in architecture, Palcemaking, urban planning and design about their projects, processes, methods, handbooks, challenges, leadership, and passions in life.
It’s not just about projects, it’s about the people behind projects.
In collaboration with AFRY (Urban Planning and Design section in Stockholm).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2025 • 20min
556. Playful Placemaking - Giorgia Floro and Lorenza Salati
We meet Giorgia Floro and Lorenza Salati to talk about “Pensare con i Piedi – Playful Placemaking”, a project funded by the Bosch Alumni Network. Inspired by Osvaldo Soriano’s work and rooted in the radical placemaking legacy of Gibellina (Sicily), they reflect on how fun and playfulness can become powerful tools for reimagining public spaces.They share insights from their recent workshop at the Centro Loris Malaguzzi, discuss preparations for the upcoming Gibellina Fest-val, and explore questions like:What does “thinking with your feet” really mean?Why Gibellina, and why now?How can play reshape the way we make places together?A conversation about creativity, community, and rediscovering joy in placemaking.___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 20, 2025 • 29min
555. When Inclusion Excludes - Donica Buisman and Hans Karssenberg
Hans Karssenberg (Partner / Board Member, Stipo) and Donica Buisman (founder/ director, RAUM) discuss lessons from RAUM’s work in Utrecht and research by STIPO revealing how even inclusive practices can unintentionally exclude. Through real-life examples and reflection on unconscious bias, they explore practical tools for creating public spaces shaped by all communities.___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 19, 2025 • 25min
554. Placemaking in Academia - Katusha Sol and Romee Nicolai
Bicycle Mayor of Amsterdam and former Placemaking University of Amsterdam student Romee Nicolai and Drs. Katusha Sol, teacher and education developer University of Amsterdam, explore how universities can cultivate a new generation of placemakers. Together, they discuss the evolution of placemaking education at the University of Amsterdam, the challenges of embedding it for the long term, and the exciting development of a new handbook for students.Topics include:What placemaking education at UvA is all aboutHow to innovate and sustain placemaking in higher educationWhy a new handbook is needed—and what tools and lessons it should offerA conversation about learning by doing, shaping our cities, and empowering students to make meaningful change.___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 18, 2025 • 27min
553. Healthy Cities - Ruth Gow McLenachan and Celia Garcia Albertos
Why should urban planners prioritize health? In this episode, we explore the value of integrating health into urban planning, beyond sustainability alone. We discuss how communities can shape healthier cities, examine real-world examples of cities leading the way, and unpack the challenges they face. Finally, we look ahead to the biggest opportunities for creating healthier urban futures over the next 10–20 years.Guests:Ruth Gow McLenachan, architect and urban planner at Healthy Cities.Celia Garcia Albertos, architect and urban planner at Healthy Cities.The link Healthy Cities: https://healthy-cities.com/___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 17, 2025 • 24min
552. Cultural placemaking - Bruno Costa and Daniel Vilar
We unpack the idea of cultural placemaking and how it differs from traditional urban development. We explore why artists and cultural organizations should play a bigger role in shaping cities, how participation can turn audiences into co-creators, and whether temporary events can spark lasting change. We close with a key takeaway for every placemaker—a single idea, tool, or provocation to carry forward.Guests:Bruno Costa and Daniel Vilar, Co-directors of BússolaLinks to Bruno:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bc23smf/and Danielhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-vilar-41825a40/To Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bussola.com.pt/___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 16, 2025 • 16min
551. Holding Her Fall (Elderly women)
This episode explores cross-cultural placemaking through emotional storytelling games, based on interviews and walks with elderly women in the Netherlands, Italy, China, and Ethiopia. We trace life choices from youth to old age, opening conversations on care, independence, and belonging. Developed by Spring Onion Atelier with international collaborators, it offers fresh ways to weave emotion, memory, and empathy into design.Guests:Jammy Zhu, Co-founder of Spring onion atelier https://www.linkedin.com/in/jammy-zhu-4765b556/Yang Zhang, Co-founder of Spring onion atelierhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yang-zhang-architect/Chun Hoi Hui, Co-founder of Spring onion atelierhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chun-hoi-hui/and Meron Girma Woldeyohannise, Collaborator to Spring Onion Alterlier https://www.linkedin.com/in/meron-girma-woldeyohannise-b40b9734/Instagram to spring onion atelier:https://www.instagram.com/springonionatelier/___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 15, 2025 • 34min
550. Walls Talk (Street Art) - Anna Stolyarova
Anna Stolyarova, Founder of Stichting Street Art Museum Amsterdam (SAMA).we explore how street art and storytelling can amplify the voices of communities often unheard in urban spaces. We discuss how co-creating murals fosters inclusion and belonging, the challenges artists and communities face when using art for social change, and the powerful role of storytelling in strengthening community identity. We also look at how youth workers, educators, and local organizations can support inclusive, community-led street art projects.Links to Anna:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/annastolyarova/ + Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streetartmuseumamsterdam_sama/ ___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 14, 2025 • 21min
549. The Power of Drawing - María Tula García Méndez
María Tula García Méndez, architect and urban planner.We dive into the power of drawing as a way to reconnect with the hidden layers of our cities. Together with Maria, we trace forgotten waterways through stories and on-site chalk drawings, exploring how creative, place-based actions can deepen our emotional connection to place and highlight the relationship between urban design and natural cycles.Links to Maria:LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariatulagarciamendez/ Portfolio https://mirardibujar.portfolio.site/___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 14, 2025 • 20min
548. The story of Reggiane Parco Innovazione - Luca Torri
Luca Torri CEO, STU Reggiane - Reggiane Parco InnovazioneThe Parco Innovazione was the main venue for Placemaking Week Europe. In this episode, we hear the story of this place.The Reggiane Innovation Park represents a territorial hub for industrial research and technological transfer, able to stimulate and facilitate collaboration between companies, research laboratories, creatives, and investors. The Innovation Park contributes to identifying potential future challenges and opportunities in the market, working on strategic skills, and creating an “innovation chain”. In this place, education for creativity and change allows the productive world to dialogue and intersect with scientific, technological, and humanistic knowledge.Read more here: https://parcoinnovazione.it/en/reggiane-parco-innovazione-eng/___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Oct 12, 2025 • 30min
547. Urban Furniture Lab in Doha - Reem Al-Muraikhi and Isabella Rossen
We spotlight Qatar Museums’ Urban Lab and its innovative approach to reimagining Souq al Haraj in Doha. In this episode, we discuss the Urban Furniture Lab project and explore how collaborative design interventions can transform public spaces, turning traditional markets into dynamic civic laboratories for creativity and community engagement.Guests:Reem Al-Muraikhi, Architect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reem-al-muraikhi-92a6b4156/ and Isabella Rossen, Urban Planning Curator at Qatar Museums.LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-rossen-6b623764/___In collaboration with Placemaking Week Europe 2025 in Reggio Emilia. Read more: https://placemaking-europe.eu/pwe/reggio-emilia-2025/__Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.__Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin.Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at info@mustafasherif.comFollow Urbanistica onInstagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel.Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.
