Liveability at Placemaking Week Europe 2025

From 23 to 26 September 2025, Placemaking Week Europe 2025 will take place, a unique, internationally recognized event that brings together urban practitioners to exchange ideas, showcase innovative approaches, and explore how to create more inclusive, engaging, and vibrant public spaces.

The event will be held in Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy, a city with a rich history where historic architecture, urban creativity, and a lively cultural scene come together, making it an inspiring setting for discussions on urban transformation.

Together with partners in the Liveable Cities Network, we are taking part in the event and will host two sessions focusing on the transformation of public spaces. We’re thrilled to share our experiences with participants from across Europe.

1. From abandoned place to cultural hub: exploring placemaking through liveability

Wednesday, 24 September | 11:45–13:00 CEST

This session shares insights from a three-year process in which partners from six European cities co-created more inclusive and engaging urban spaces.

Highlights include:

• Lessons learned (and mistakes made!) in rethinking urban spaces.
• Asemaa44 (Pori, Finland) – a bus station reborn as a cultural hub.
• Hands-on stakeholder mapping to reimagine your own context.
• Expect theory, practice, and creative collaboration, leaving participants with tools and fresh perspectives for meaningful urban change.

Discover more here.

2. Local Challenge #5: Bridging Proximity and Urban Transformation – The Local Case of Via Premuda

Friday, 26 September | 14:30–17:30 CEST

This session explores Via Premuda, a key axis connecting the historic center of Reggio Emilia with its surrounding neighborhoods. It includes:

• An introduction to the street’s historical development and current role.
• On-site exploration focusing on mobility, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Contributions from local stakeholders and international partners sharing their experiences in redesigning public spaces.
• Expect practical insights, collaborative discussions, and concrete examples that participants can apply to their own urban contexts.

Learn more about the session here.

We look forward to exchanging ideas, discovering innovative placemaking approaches, and gaining fresh perspectives.