In January 2019 we are kicking off our project in Sierra Leone where we are developing in partnership with the University of Canberra, Health Research Institute, and Dreamtown a research protocol that measures subjective wellbeing in young people. This project aims to improve wellbeing and resilience of youth in informal settlements in three major cities across the Sierra Leone by dreaming their public spaces for a healthier community.
Urban Synergies Group in collaboration with Dreamtown and CISU is holding a workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 13th December 2018 entitled „Do you love your city? Rethinking sustainable urban development and public space.“ Contact us or our partners at Dreamtown for further information.
Urban Synergies Group has been awarded with a commendation from the Planning Institute of Australia in the category „Public Engagement and Community Planning“ for our Urban Thinkers Campus „Shaping Spaces for GenZ“. We would like to express gratitude to all stakeholders involved that the community members that are committed to create a healthy future for the next generation.
Now available on our website the „Making Canberra a human-centred city“ Charter. This document is a commitment to drive positive change towards better urban design outcomes that respond well to community and context specific approaches to city building. Access the charter here https://urbansynergiesgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Making-Canberra-A-Human-Centered-City-Charter.pdf
You are invited to participate in an international forum to discuss key urban policy issues affecting cities, both in Australia and abroad. Inspired by the nordic countries of Europe we will engage together in a workshop dialogue that enables the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals with a focus on health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and smart communities.
Share your perspective on our planning and design culture, industry experience and engage with our international partners to advance key urban policy issues in Australia.
Share your observations with our international speakers and experts including:
Australia: Prof. Rachel Davey, Director of the Health Research Institute at the University of Canberra;
Denmark: Mr Peder Baltzer Nielsen, City Architect at the Municipality of Aalborg;
Australia: Prof. Barbara Norman, Foundation Chair of Urban and Regional Planning and Director of Canberra Urban and Regional Futures at the University of Canberra;
Germany: Gregor H. Mews, Founding Director of Urban Synergies Group and Researcher;
Norway: Anders Røberg-Larsen, Political Adviser, Urban Development Department, City of Oslo.
Where and When: ANN HARDING CONFERENCE CENTRE – Meeting Room 2, 24 University Drive South, Bruce ACT 2617, Australia
Participants are encouraged to arrive with public transport, by walking or cycling. Doors open at 8:30am.
Smart, sustainable and healthy- our common urban future- We are bringing together experts from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finnland and Estland), the Planning Institute of Australia, University of Canberra with the Health Research Institute and Canberras Urban and Regional Future Centre. This event, organised by Urban Synergies Group, is scheduled for the 2nd November 2018 (9 – 11.30 am). Save the date for this half day morning event. Details will be released soon.
You are invited to participate in an engaging event with Dr. Luisa Bravo, Dr. Mirko Guaralda and local experts to answer the question “How can we create an environment where social entrepreneurship can achieve better public space outcomes for the ACT population?”. Unlike traditional format our discussion leaders will co-create with you together the solutions, which will be compiled in a report that can help to shape a healthier community. Let’s us explore together pathways to accelerated community actions for a better urban future through opportunities for social entrepreneurship in Canberra’s public spaces. When: Tuesday 29th May 2018 at 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Theo Notoras Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra. To register please access the links in the flyer or pay on the night.
Urban Synergies Group is partnering up with the Young Planners (Planning Institute of Australia) in Canberra to host a lunch time place activation parklet event on the 29th May 2018 12 noon – 2 pm in 5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, adjacent to the Hopscotch Bar. During this event we will activate and promote the pocket park intervention, supported with a presentation by Dr. Luisa Bravo and Dr. Mirko Guaralda on the global public space initiative www.standupforpublicspace.org . Participants will be invited to actively engage in the data collection gain further insights into the activation and potential use of the Pocket Park as well as the public perceptions on public space.
