Urban Practices

Inspirational examples of the Liveability Design Approach

Urban Practices as Seeds

We are proud to share reflections from our innovative projects and initiatives that demonstrate successful approaches to enhancing liveability — our Urban Practices. In the flower illustration, each Urban Practice is represented as a seed, symbolising ideas that can grow and flourish in other cities.

These Urban Practices showcase inspiring examples of co-creation from our partner cities, each addressing specific local challenges.

The Liveability Practice Guide Practice guide supports the growth of these “seeds” by helping turn promising ideas into real projects that enhance liveability in urban environments.

Below, you can explore the innovative pilot projects and initiatives that embody successful liveability practices. For each, we highlight which of the eight key characteristics of liveability were prioritised.

Kiel, DE

Developing the adult education centre “Förde-vhs”

The pilot project in Kiel is dedicated to
developing the adult education centre,
Förde-vhs, into an open and inclusive
community space.

This initiative focuses oncreating areas where people can gather, socialize, and build connections without the influence of commercialization.

Guldborgsund, DK

One Citizen - One Plan

In the pilot project “One Citizen, One plan”
Guldborgsund Municipality develops and tests methods to empower vulnerable citizens, that have social cases with different municipal authorities.

Through a higher degree of involvement, the pilot project aims to empower the involved families to better influence and manage their everyday lives.

Kolding, DK

Kolding City Centre

The aim of the pilot in Kolding is to strengthen urban life and promote retail in the city centre.

Together with citizens, visitors, businesses and external partners, the aim is to find accessible solutions - and longer-term initiatives that are at the forefront of trends and create forward-looking solutions for the city.

Pori, FIN

Revitalise vacant spaces in the city centre

The City of Pori aims to revitalize vacant spaces in the city center through this pilot project.

Former retail spaces, currently unused, are being transformed into new areas for living and working. These spaces will host a variety of events, which are excellent for bringing people together and encouraging them to become active participants in their city.

Gdynia, PL

A Network of Community Centres

The network of community centers, located in different districts of the city of Gdynia, is managed by the Social Innovation Lab (SIL) in cooperation with public libraries, the city's sports department, which are public institutions.

These centers provide spaces for local communities to engage in various activities and also serve as hubs for the city's social
services.

Riga, LV

Empowering Neighbourhood Associations

The Riga pilot focuses on finding solutions to improve collaboration and trust between the municipality and local neighbourhood communities.

1) Developing a neighbourhood project co-design system.
2) Improving the system for financing local development and creating strategies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

Video introduction from Kiel and Riga

Learn more about the local Urban Practices from Anna Emil in Kiel and Villiams Kursītis - Vrobļevskis in Riga.