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
May 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
516. PREFIGURE: Prototypes for addressing the housing-energy-nexus
We dive into PREFIGURE, an EU-funded research project exploring the intersection of housing inequality and energy poverty across seven European countries. Running from 2024 to 2027, PREFIGURE aims to reimagine how we create fairer, more sustainable cities through innovation, community knowledge, and just transitions.Joining us are Dr. Defne Kadioglu, researcher at Malmö University’s Institute for Urban Research, and Kalina Tcolova, analyst at the Center for the Study of Democracy in Bulgaria. Together, they share the inspiration behind the project, how it’s implemented through a unique blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, and what role the MobiLab – a mobile urban living lab – plays in co-creating solutions with local communities.We explore case studies from Scandinavia and Bulgaria, unpack what a "just energy transition" really means in practice, and discuss how social, policy, and market innovations can become real-life "prototypes of change" in cities across Europe.Prefigure's Links:website: https://prefigure.eu/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/103900398/X: https://x.com/PrefigureEUYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PREFIGUREprojectDr. Defne Kadioglu, Project Researcher, Malmö University’s Institute for Urban Researchdefne.kadioglu@mau.se Kalina Tcolova , AnalystEnergy and Climate Program Center for the Study of Democracykalina.tcolova@csd.eu__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 episodeMustafa 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.
May 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
515.SWE Konsten att leda projekt – lärdomar och insikter från Markus Lagerhielm-Backman
I det här avsnittet möter jag Markus Lagerhielm-Backman, projektledare på AFRY, i ett samtal om ledarskap, konflikthantering, teknikens påverkan på projektledning, och livet bakom titeln.Vi börjar med att dyka ner i projektledarrollens komplexitet. Är Markus främst en ledare, samordnare eller diplomat? Hur påverkas hans arbete av digitalisering och AI, och var går gränsen mellan nödvändig struktur och överdriven byråkrati? Vi pratar om hur han hanterar konflikter, svåra intressenter, motivation i sega projektfaser, och vad som händer när någon i teamet inte levererar.I andra delen får vi lära känna Markus mer på djupet. Han delar sin resa – från uppväxt till yrkesval – och berättar om sin passion, vad framgång betyder för honom och vilken varelse han skulle vilja vara om han inte var människa. Vi pratar om stolthet, lärdomar och det han hoppas lämna efter sig.Avslutningsvis får vi tre medskick: ett till honom själv, ett till en student, och ett till dig som lyssnar.Ett inspirerande och ärligt samtal om att leda projekt och att leda sig själv.__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 episodeMustafa 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.
May 3, 2025 • 1h 39min
514.SWE Citylab och social hållbarhet i praktiken - Linnea Almroth
Linnea Almroth, strateg inom social hållbarhet på AFRY.🔹 Del 1: Citylab och hållbar stadsutveckling:Vi pratar om vad Citylab är, hur certifieringssystemet fungerar och vad det innebär att vara Citylabsamordnare. Linnea delar sina erfarenheter från projekt där Citylab använts, och vi pratar om hur verktyget bidrar till social hållbarhet i stadsplanering.🔹 Del 2: Linnea som person:Vi får en inblick i Linneas resa, från barndom och utbildning till passionen för hållbarhet och arkitektur. Hon berättar om sin karriär, livet som småbarnsmamma och reflekterar kring vad framgång och balans i livet betyder för henne.🔹 Del 3: Reflektion och medskick:Avsnittet avslutas med tre kraftfulla medskick: till sig själv, till studenter och till dig som lyssnar.Ett avsnitt fyllt av inspiration, insikter och konkreta exempel på hur social hållbarhet kan förverkligas i våra städer.Connecta med Linnea på LinkedIn här https://www.linkedin.com/in/linneaalmroth/__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 episodeMustafa 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.
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 25min
513. Placemaking Through Public Art - Elise Cervin
In today's episode, host Mustafa Sherif has the pleasure of welcoming architect, musician, and placemaking advocate Elise. Together, they explore the vibrant role that public art plays in transforming spaces into meaningful places. Elise shares her reflections on the difference between cities like Stockholm and Rotterdam, emphasizing the importance of embracing playfulness and community co-creation in urban spaces. She also takes us behind the scenes of her inspiring light art installation, De Aderton, a tribute to the eighteen women who have won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Finally, Elise discusses her research project traveling across Europe's major train stations, studying how public space, art, and culture meet in these bustling urban hubs. It's a conversation full of passion, creativity, and insights into how cities can become more human, lively, and connected.Links:Homepagehttps://tonrum.com/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/_tonrum?igsh=MTkxdGY0bmZpYzNidw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr__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 episodeMustafa 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.
Apr 20, 2025 • 58min
512. Friendly Bespoke community Games - Ryan K Rosen
Ryan K. Rosen, Founder and Creative Director of Friendly Futures, shares how bespoke community games can transform public spaces and bring people together in healthy, joyful ways. We talk about what inspired him to start Friendly Futures, why public spaces often bring people near each other but not truly together, and how his custom-designed games encourage natural interaction across all ages and abilities. He shares how physical play can compete with digital entertainment, stories of projects that have been transformed through games, and the challenges of introducing playful design into public spaces. We end with his vision for the future of play in cities, and how municipalities can embrace it to create friendlier, more connected communities.Tune in!Useful links. ryan@friendly-futures.comWebsiteSubstackLinkedIn__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 episodeMustafa 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.
Apr 12, 2025 • 41min
511. The Nature of Our Cities - Nadina Galle
Nadina Galle, an ecological engineer and the mind behind the Internet of Nature (IoN)—a global movement harnessing technology to restore and enhance urban ecosystems. Born in the Netherlands and raised in Canada, Nadina’s passion for nature conservation started young, influenced by urbanist thinkers like Jane Jacobs and James Howard Kunstler.We explore:How cities are losing nature faster than we realize—and what needs to changeSmart strategies and innovative projects that bring nature back into urban spacesHer book The Nature of Our Cities—what’s inside and who it’s forTune in for a fascinating discussion at the intersection of technology, ecology, and urban resilience!Learn more about Nadina and her work: www.nadinagalle.com___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 episodeMustafa 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.
Apr 12, 2025 • 57min
510. How Can Placemaking Benefit Local Governments? - Sandra Poelman
Sandra Poelman Director of Glowing Places, trainer, speaker, coach, author, and podcast creator. Part 1: Placemaking in ActionHow Sandra defines placemaking and integrates it into her workThe biggest challenges of introducing placemaking, especially when working with local governmentsThe 9 key benefits of placemaking for cities, explained with real-life examplesExciting projects and plans for 2025Part 2: The Person Behind the WorkSandra’s background—her journey, career highlights, and personal storyWhat drives her passion and keeps her energizedHer experience with a brain illness and how it shaped her approach to work and lifeWork-life balance, hobbies, and unexpected career alternatives If she could be any creature, what would she choose?Join us for this inspiring conversation on placemaking, resilience, and the power of rethinking cities!🎧 Tune in now! 🚀Link to the documentary we made about combining placemaking with urban development in Helmondhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLCgenC4uaQ&feature=youtu.be___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 episodeMustafa 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.
Mar 30, 2025 • 41min
509. Placemaking and public spaces Then & Now: A Conversation with Steve Davies
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Davies, a pioneering figure in placemaking and urban development. As Principal of Place Solutions Group, Affiliate at Market Cities (PPS), and President of The Placemaking Fund, Steve has spent decades shaping public spaces worldwide.We reflect on his journey in Project for Public Spaces (PPS)—what challenges he faced, how the placemaking movement evolved, and the biggest shifts in how cities approach public space today.We also discuss:How to measure a successful public placeKey leadership skills for impactful placemakingThe future of placemaking—emerging trends and innovationsSteve’s current projects and what’s next for him in 2025Plus, we explore how PPS has evolved over the years and what lessons can be learned for the future.Tune in for an insightful discussion with one of the field’s leading voices! 🎧___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 episodeMustafa 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.
Mar 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
508. Measures and Meanings of Spatial Capital book by Lars Marcus
I speak with Lars Marcus, Professor in Urban Design at Chalmers University of Technology and Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, about his latest book, Measures and Meanings of Spatial Capital.We discuss the concept of spatial capital—how the built environment functions as a form of capital that can enhance social, economic, and ecological resilience if designed with intention. Lars explains why spatial form is crucial in shaping urban systems and how planners, designers, and policymakers can apply these ideas in practice to address today’s global challenges.We also explore why cities continue to repeat the same planning mistakes despite decades of research, and what needs to change for us to truly learn from the past. Finally, Lars shares his thoughts on what’s next for him and where his research is headed in 2025.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on rethinking urban design and the power of spatial capital.Measures and Meanings of Spatial Capital is available here: MIT Press___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 episodeMustafa 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.
Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 27min
507. The Power of Play and Creativity in a Chaotic World - Pernilla Glaser
I speak with Pernilla Glaser (educator, therapist, and coach), about why play is essential, not just for personal well-being but for shaping better cities and places.We explore why playfulness and creativity are often undervalued in professional settings, how we can make urban planning processes more engaging, and what it takes to foster resilience in uncertain times. Pernilla also shares insights from her upcoming book on how play can help us navigate a chaotic world—if only we allow it.Beyond the topic of play, we dive into her personal journey: what drives her, how she defines success, and the lessons she has learned along the way. We also discuss what advice she would give to students, urbanists, and designers striving to create more vibrant, creative, and adaptable environments.Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of play and why embracing creativity is more urgent than ever._____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 episodeMustafa 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.
