Finding common ground in diverse cities

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The different neighborhoods, and their unique atmosphere, is what makes cities across the world so interesting. However, there is a pitfall to this uniqueness, as it can end up creating further division between neighborhoods. Especially when residents have less and less contact with others due to the physical infrastructure of the city. In this episode, we look at how we can create common ground in our cities. We look at fresh ideas from the Nordic cities of Aarhus and Malmö, and we ask how city planners and architects can influence the mental state of the inhabitants of our increasingly diverse cities.

This episode comes from a Nordic Talks event that took place during the Oslo Architecture Triennale and was arranged by the Helsinki-based organization, Urban Practice.

“Growth is not only about building new buildings, but also about creating new public spaces and nurturing the diversity of the neighborhoods.”

Anne Mette Boye, Chief City Architect of Aarhus Municipality

This podcast episode features the following speakers

Jenny Grettve (Sweden)

Jenny Grettve is a strategic designer and co-director at Dark Matter Labs, a non-profit organization and strategic discovery, design, and development lab working to transition society in response to the technological revolution and climate breakdown. Jenny trained as an architect and holds degrees in fashion, art, furniture design, and classical music. Jenny is also the founder of the international multi-disciplinary office, Jenny Grettve Studio.

Finn Williams (UK)

Finn Williams is the city architect of Malmö, Sweden, and a visiting professor at the Institute of Innovation and Public Purpose at University College London (UCL). Finn is also the co-founder and chief executive officer of Public Practice, a social enterprise building the public sector’s capacity for proactive planning. In 2016, he was a co-curator of the British Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Anne Mette Boye (Denmark)

Anne Mette Boye has been the chief city architect of Aarhus Municipality since 2021. Anne Mette is a registered professional architect and holds a Ph.D. in town planning and landscape architecture. She was previously an associate professor at the Aarhus School of Architecture, and a partner and co-founder of Second City, a consultancy focused on strategic urban development.