Course:
"Creating Sustainable Cities: the Role of Affordable and Inclusive Housing"
Language:
EN
UK
Form:
on-line / in-person
Duration:
5 hours (on-line)
6:30 hours (in-person)
+30 min. break
6:30 hours (in-person)
+30 min. break
Aligned with SDG:
Place:
Dates:
Lang.:
Birmingham (UK)
14 Sept. 2025
ON-LINE
21 Sept. 2025
ON-LINE
25 Oct. 2025
ON-LINE
23 Nov. 2025
If our course is not available in your location and you believe it should be, let us know by clicking HERE. We will explore the possibilities and get back to you.
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the role that affordable and inclusive housing plays in creating sustainable urban environments. Participants will explore how housing development intersects with urban planning, social justice, public health, and environmental sustainability, highlighting the vital need for well-planned, equitable housing solutions that address the challenges faced by growing urban populations.
Through the course, learners will gain insight into the different models of affordable housing, the impact of urban policies (with examples of the NPPF, Local Plan policies, and others), and how these factors contribute to the overall sustainability of cities. Special attention will be given to the relationship between affordable housing and key issues such as social inclusion, community well-being, and public health. The course will also address the significant impact of urban sprawl, homelessness, and the affordable housing crisis in cities, with a particular focus on real-world case studies of the UK, Ukraine, etc., and successful interventions.
Participants will learn about urban design principles that promote livable, walkable communities and the importance of integrating green spaces, efficient public transport, and community-focused infrastructure. The course will also emphasize the role of local governments, policymakers, and stakeholders in fostering collaboration and ensuring that housing development prioritizes social and environmental equity.
This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the role that affordable and inclusive housing plays in creating sustainable urban environments. Participants will explore how housing development intersects with urban planning, social justice, public health, and environmental sustainability, highlighting the vital need for well-planned, equitable housing solutions that address the challenges faced by growing urban populations.
Through the course, learners will gain insight into the different models of affordable housing, the impact of urban policies (with examples of the NPPF, Local Plan policies, and others), and how these factors contribute to the overall sustainability of cities. Special attention will be given to the relationship between affordable housing and key issues such as social inclusion, community well-being, and public health. The course will also address the significant impact of urban sprawl, homelessness, and the affordable housing crisis in cities, with a particular focus on real-world case studies of the UK, Ukraine, etc., and successful interventions.
Participants will learn about urban design principles that promote livable, walkable communities and the importance of integrating green spaces, efficient public transport, and community-focused infrastructure. The course will also emphasize the role of local governments, policymakers, and stakeholders in fostering collaboration and ensuring that housing development prioritizes social and environmental equity.
ILONA STREKALOVSKYKH - BSc in Geography; Planning volunteer with CPRE; Happy City Index Researcher
With a BSc in Geography from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, specializing in urban geography and regional planning my academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in urban growth, infrastructure development, and the challenges cities face in creating sustainable, equitable environments. Through my studies, I developed a keen interest in how urban planning can address critical issues such as housing affordability and social equity.
Since moving to the UK, I have been working as a planning volunteer with CPRE South Staffordshire, where I focus on balancing urban development with the preservation of Green Belt areas. In this role, I have been involved in evaluating planning applications, particularly those that could impact housing development, and have made recommendations to ensure new housing projects support both environmental goals and the community’s needs for affordable, accessible homes.
In 2024-2025 I contributed to the 6th edition of Happy City Index project. This experience reinforced my belief in a holistic, people-centric approach to urban planning, where affordable housing, public health, and social inclusion are integral to building sustainable cities.
My interest in housing as a critical element of urban planning has been further shaped by my experience with the UK's ongoing housing crisis. I believe that addressing the imbalance between housing supply and demand is essential for creating more inclusive, healthy, and connected communities.
Additionally, I have a strong interest in the intersection of urban planning and public health, believing that successful cities must prioritize residents' well-being, create walkable spaces and green zones.
The course will be led by Bartosz Bartoszewicz, a highly accomplished former Deputy Mayor with nearly two decades of experience in local government. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been at the forefront of urban transformation and digital innovation, winning the prestigious Innovation in Politics Award, organised by the Austrian Innovation in Politics Institute. This recognition highlights his outstanding contribution to advancing smart city initiatives and improving quality of life through innovative policies.
Bartosz holds a Doctorate, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the quality of life in urban areas—an area that remains central to his work in public administration and city management. As an academic lecturer, he has taught sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of leaders and urban policymakers. His extensive experience in both theory and practice has enabled him to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, enriching his teaching and professional approach.
In addition to his academic work, Bartosz delivered presentations at international conferences on urbanisation, sustainable city management, and digital transformation. His insights have shaped discussions on the future of cities, particularly regarding the integration of smart technologies and sustainable urban planning. His work provides a deep dive into how cities can harness technology to improve residents' lives while promoting sustainability and resilience.
With a career spanning leadership, academia, and international speaking engagements, Bartosz Bartoszewicz offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. He combines the experience of a long-serving mayor with a solid academic foundation, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation. Participants in the course will gain invaluable knowledge from his diverse background, exploring both the practical and theoretical aspects of innovation, urban management, and smart city development.
A detailed PROGRAM will be available soon.
Module: Workshops in groups
An online course is an excellent opportunity to broaden your knowledge. However, we recognise that a significant value of courses lies in the exchange of experiences among participants. This requires a certain level of openness and willingness to collaborate, which can sometimes only be fully unlocked through face-to-face interaction and the use of appropriate workshop solutions. That is why the programme for in-person courses includes 'Workshops in groups using real documents and a selected workshop format,' lasting approximately 90 minutes. These workshops are conducted during the second part of the course.
COURSE METHOLODOGY:
Lectures and Readings: Core concepts related to affordable and inclusive housing, sustainable urban development, and urban planning will be delivered through lectures. Participants will be provided with key readings from academic sources, policy documents, and case studies to deepen their understanding of the issues surrounding housing and sustainability.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Throughout the course, participants will explore international case studies and successful examples of affordable housing initiatives, inclusive urban planning, and sustainable city development, using examples from the UK;
Ukraine - as a complex example, with an urgent need for social housing, affordable and inclusive housing, especially in the context of post war reconstruction and other countries;
Cases I have encountered in my work at CPRE, particularly in the context of constant changes in UK government policy.
These case studies will highlight the key challenges faced and strategies implemented in different contexts, offering valuable lessons for participants.
Lectures and Readings: Core concepts related to affordable and inclusive housing, sustainable urban development, and urban planning will be delivered through lectures. Participants will be provided with key readings from academic sources, policy documents, and case studies to deepen their understanding of the issues surrounding housing and sustainability.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Throughout the course, participants will explore international case studies and successful examples of affordable housing initiatives, inclusive urban planning, and sustainable city development, using examples from the UK;
Ukraine - as a complex example, with an urgent need for social housing, affordable and inclusive housing, especially in the context of post war reconstruction and other countries;
Cases I have encountered in my work at CPRE, particularly in the context of constant changes in UK government policy.
These case studies will highlight the key challenges faced and strategies implemented in different contexts, offering valuable lessons for participants.
COURSE SUMMARY:
The course explores the critical role that affordable and inclusive housing plays in the creation of sustainable urban environments. It examines the intersection of urban planning, social equity, public health, and environmental sustainability, focusing on how housing development can help or hinder the creation of thriving, resilient cities.
Participants will gain a deep understanding of the challenges cities face in providing affordable housing, including issues of urban sprawl, inequality, and the housing affordability crisis. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and expert-led discussions, learners will explore a variety of housing models, policies, and practices that address these challenges. Special attention will be given to the role of inclusive urban planning, ensuring that housing solutions are equitable and accessible for all populations, regardless of income or background.
Additionally, the course may also highlight the importance of designing housing that supports public health, well-being, and social cohesion. Participants will learn about key principles of urban design that promote walkable, sustainable communities, including the integration of green spaces, efficient public transport systems, and community-oriented infrastructure.
The course explores the critical role that affordable and inclusive housing plays in the creation of sustainable urban environments. It examines the intersection of urban planning, social equity, public health, and environmental sustainability, focusing on how housing development can help or hinder the creation of thriving, resilient cities.
Participants will gain a deep understanding of the challenges cities face in providing affordable housing, including issues of urban sprawl, inequality, and the housing affordability crisis. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and expert-led discussions, learners will explore a variety of housing models, policies, and practices that address these challenges. Special attention will be given to the role of inclusive urban planning, ensuring that housing solutions are equitable and accessible for all populations, regardless of income or background.
Additionally, the course may also highlight the importance of designing housing that supports public health, well-being, and social cohesion. Participants will learn about key principles of urban design that promote walkable, sustainable communities, including the integration of green spaces, efficient public transport systems, and community-oriented infrastructure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COURSES AND TRAININGS SESSIONS OF HAPPY CITY ACADEMY - SELECTED KEY RULES:
Enrollment
Enrollment is confirmed upon submitting a completed enrollment form and paying the Initial Payment of £30. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before the course starts. For enrollments made less than 30 days before the start date, payment of the full course fee is required at the time of enrollment.
Confirmation
Participants will receive a confirmation email, including the course schedule, venue or platform details, and contact information.
Withdrawal Rights
Participants may withdraw within 14 days of enrollment for a full refund, including the Initial Payment.
Terms and Conditions for Courses and Training Sessions of Happy City Academy
Enrollment is confirmed upon submitting a completed enrollment form and paying the Initial Payment of £30. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before the course starts. For enrollments made less than 30 days before the start date, payment of the full course fee is required at the time of enrollment.
Confirmation
Participants will receive a confirmation email, including the course schedule, venue or platform details, and contact information.
Withdrawal Rights
Participants may withdraw within 14 days of enrollment for a full refund, including the Initial Payment.
Terms and Conditions for Courses and Training Sessions of Happy City Academy
COSTS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSE:
