Good urban development and safe, inclusive neighborhoods don’t create themselves. To succeed, all parties must be involved and stand together. Nordic Office of Architecture boarded MS Lofoten and hosted an engaging and lively debate at Arendalsuka 2024.

At Arendalsuka 2024, Norway’s largest political gathering, Nordic had the pleasure of hosting a panel debate aboard the MS Lofoten, focusing on the critical role of active collaboration and user involvement in urban development. In line with Arendalsuka's mission, the panel set out to strengthen belief in political empowerment and democracy through open debate and involvement.

Active collaboration and user involvement

“Good urban development and safe, inclusive neighborhoods don’t create themselves. To succeed, all parties must be involved and stand together” All participants agreed that this summarized the debate perfectly - the sentiment was echoed throughout the discussions, emphasizing the importance of active collaboration and user involvement in creating thriving communities.

Clear voices in an important debate

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on board the MS Lofoten for the debate. The event featured a distinguished panel of experts who brought diverse and insightful perspectives to the discussion.

Ellen Rønning-Arnesen, State Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Care Services, highlighted the ministry’s overarching responsibility for health policy, public health, health services, and social legislation in Norway. Her extensive experience provided a crucial and relevant voice to the debate on health-promoting urban development.

Lisbeth Hammer Krog, Mayor of Bærum Municipality, represented the visionary and professional client who understands the importance of integrating health-promoting principles into urban development. She shared insights from Bærum’s award-winning Carpe Diem Dementia Village, a prime example of innovative and inclusive design.

Siri Merethe Bakken, Professor and Architect at NTNU, brought over 30 years of experience in architecture and urban planning. Her work at NTNU and Oslo Works provided a practice-based approach to creating health-promoting environments, emphasizing the importance of research and practical application.

Camilla Richter-Friis van Deurs, Partner and Head of Urban Development at Nordic Office of Architecture Denmark, and Professor of Urban Planning at Aarhus School of Architecture, shared valuable insights from her extensive experience in urban planning and the political and bureaucratic interface. Her contributions underscored the importance of strategic urban development and the integration of health considerations into city planning.

Moderated by our own Camilla Heier Anglero, Partner and Head of Healthcare Design, the discussions were enriched by critical questions and innovative solutions, impressing us all with their depth and relevance.

The impact of architecture on public health

Our surroundings, the buildings we live and work in, and the architecture that envelops us significantly impact public health, both mentally and physically. It is well-documented that good architecture and well-planned living environments can have health-promoting effects and create added value for society. Moreover, promoting health and well-being is a legally mandated municipal responsibility in Norway.

Insights from the discussion - vision and responsibility

The panel discussion delved into how authorities, municipalities, and private sector players must ensure that users’ needs are heard and that sustainable housing and institutional projects are economically accessible, meet high standards for health and well-being, and are realistically achievable.

“Together with an exciting panel of key spokespersons for the healthcare sector, visionary and competent clients, and active industry players, we have hopefully invited politicians, bureaucrats, business leaders, and actors within urban and housing development to participate.” Camilla Heier Anglero, Partner and Head of Healthcare Design at Nordic Office of Architecture

Principles for health-promoting urban development

The discussions highlighted several principles for health-promoting urban development:

• Prioritize pedestrians and cyclists.
• Include diverse needs and adapt housing and neighborhoods to different life stages.
• Involve residents and users early in the planning process.
• Create safe neighborhoods with good social and secure meeting places.
• Prioritize architecture, aesthetics, and proximity to green areas.
• Ensure proximity to services and facilities.
• Adopt a holistic, long-term, and interdisciplinary planning approach with a shared vision.
• Promote social sustainability by ensuring fair distribution of benefits and burdens.

A call to action

The event concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for immediate and collaborative efforts to integrate health-promoting principles into urban development. By combining universal design, social inclusion, environmental considerations, economic accessibility, integration of health services, technological innovation, safety, citizen engagement, and supportive regulatory frameworks, we can create vibrant, inclusive, and healthy communities for all.