Course:
"Liveable Cities"
Language:
EN
IT
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.:
BARCELONA (ES)
14 June 2025
ON-LINE
18 October 2025
ON-LINE
8 November 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:
The idea is to create a sense of belonging within the urban environment.
People should see themselves as integral to the city—recognizing that the sustainable concept of smart cities is designed around them, for them, rather than the city being the central focus. Urban development should respond to their needs, rather than requiring them to adapt to the environment.
Participants will explore the evolution of urban planning, shifting from car-centric and rigid city designs to more adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable models.
A key focus will be on livability, analyzing what makes cities more accessible, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly. Concepts such as walkability, bikeability, and 15-minute cities will be introduced, demonstrating how urban planning can enhance daily life by reducing car dependency and promoting efficient public transportation networks.
Beyond theory, the course includes a practical component using QGIS for spatial data analysis. This will equip participants with skills to map and analyze urban areas. By the end of the course, participants will be able to critically assess urban challenges and propose innovative, data-driven solutions to create cities that are not only smart but also livable and inclusive.
The idea is to create a sense of belonging within the urban environment.
People should see themselves as integral to the city—recognizing that the sustainable concept of smart cities is designed around them, for them, rather than the city being the central focus. Urban development should respond to their needs, rather than requiring them to adapt to the environment.
Participants will explore the evolution of urban planning, shifting from car-centric and rigid city designs to more adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable models.
A key focus will be on livability, analyzing what makes cities more accessible, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly. Concepts such as walkability, bikeability, and 15-minute cities will be introduced, demonstrating how urban planning can enhance daily life by reducing car dependency and promoting efficient public transportation networks.
Beyond theory, the course includes a practical component using QGIS for spatial data analysis. This will equip participants with skills to map and analyze urban areas. By the end of the course, participants will be able to critically assess urban challenges and propose innovative, data-driven solutions to create cities that are not only smart but also livable and inclusive.
COURSE LEADERS:
My name is Daila, I studied civil engineering in Italy which helped me to develop a systematic and mathematical mind. Even if I really enjoyed the topic, while I was looking for a master I found an interesting course about "Urban Mobility" in Barcelona and I fell in love with topic, so I decided to join the course. What was interesting is that the master aligns with some global goals such the sustainable cities and communication, and the global action, always finding solutions to minimize emissions.
During the master I followed several projects analyzing new cities mobility plans, conducting cost-benefit analysis, proposing new urban plans. The projects took into account the peoples' needs, layout of the cities and use of alternative energies.
I was used to present frequently (one time every two weeks) and this gave me the confidence to speak in front of a crowd, explain in the details procedures and solve people's doubts.
I am passionate about how transportation can drive sustainable urban mobility and therefore reduce the environmental impact and improve quality of life. I have recently followed researches focus on logistic and sustainability. The most recent is a Blended Intense Program that I did in collaboration with UPC (Barcelona) and ING (Grenoble), where the main focus was on public transport, analyzing all the alternatives to move through Europe, exploring innovation in transport and logistic but also focusing on the "human" part, talking about equity and communication.
What makes me more confident with the topic is my master thesis work, which challenged me to investigate deeper in cities' needs and take into account all the difference to find a dedicated solution for each kind of problem. It helped me developing technical skills such as the use of python and QGIS and improved my communication and explaining skills.
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.
*in-person course only
PROGRAM
Module 1: Introduction to livable Cities:
starting with an introduction about what makes a c city livable, the evolution of urban planning, what was the concept before and what is the concept now. This can be integrated by using some important case studies of highly livable cities or how the cities are changing, what are the pattern to make them more livable, how to adapt a pre-made urban plan to the current necessities.
starting with an introduction about what makes a c city livable, the evolution of urban planning, what was the concept before and what is the concept now. This can be integrated by using some important case studies of highly livable cities or how the cities are changing, what are the pattern to make them more livable, how to adapt a pre-made urban plan to the current necessities.
Module 2: Urban design and public spaces:
It is necessary to explain the human-centered design principle, considering day by day activities and peoples’ movements for commuting. But also it is important to consider the importance of green spaces and parks, and the most important part introducing the concept of walkability, bike ability and therefore pedestrian-friendly planning bringing bad and good examples, introducing the concept of 15 minutes cities.
It is necessary to explain the human-centered design principle, considering day by day activities and peoples’ movements for commuting. But also it is important to consider the importance of green spaces and parks, and the most important part introducing the concept of walkability, bike ability and therefore pedestrian-friendly planning bringing bad and good examples, introducing the concept of 15 minutes cities.
Module 3: Sustainable and Smart cities:
What is the role of renewable energy in a smart city, what is the goal to achieve? Which kind of tools are available to analyze the problems? What are the characteristics of a smart city? Which KPIs?
smart technology, real time data, integration of AI
What is the role of renewable energy in a smart city, what is the goal to achieve? Which kind of tools are available to analyze the problems? What are the characteristics of a smart city? Which KPIs?
smart technology, real time data, integration of AI
Module 4: Transportation and mobility:
The role of public transport in a smart city, connection with adjacent areas, type of vehicles, mobility networks, examples of the network in city.
Public transport innovation, automated vehicles.
Reducing car dependency, design for accessibility and inclusivity.
The role of public transport in a smart city, connection with adjacent areas, type of vehicles, mobility networks, examples of the network in city.
Public transport innovation, automated vehicles.
Reducing car dependency, design for accessibility and inclusivity.
Module 5: Practical part:
QGIS software: overview of the interface and main tools, coordinate systems, spatial queries, data selection, overlay operations, layouts.
QGIS software: overview of the interface and main tools, coordinate systems, spatial queries, data selection, overlay operations, layouts.
Module 6: Wrap-Up and Q&A
- Recap of key learnings from the day.
- Open floor for questions and discussion.
- Next steps and further resources for continued learning.
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:
The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, case study discussions and hands-on exercises to ensure an engaging and interactive learning experience. A strong emphasis will be placed on iterative learning, in which participants will actively engage in discussions, exchange ideas and refine their understanding through real-world applications.
To foster collaboration, the course will include group projects and workshops, encouraging teamwork and problem solving in a dynamic, virtual environment. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze case studies, share perspectives and propose innovative solutions to urban challenges. Interactive discussions and feedback sessions will enable continuous learning, allowing students to critically evaluate different urban models and apply key concepts effectively.
Supporting materials, including slides, readings and detailed exercises, will be provided to ensure accessibility to participants with different technical backgrounds. Hands-on exercises using QGIS will enable students to develop practical skills in spatial data analysis, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The course structure is designed to be adaptive, allowing participants to engage in peer learning, receive guidance from instructors and progressively develop skills in creating livable, sustainable and human-centered urban environments.
The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, case study discussions and hands-on exercises to ensure an engaging and interactive learning experience. A strong emphasis will be placed on iterative learning, in which participants will actively engage in discussions, exchange ideas and refine their understanding through real-world applications.
To foster collaboration, the course will include group projects and workshops, encouraging teamwork and problem solving in a dynamic, virtual environment. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze case studies, share perspectives and propose innovative solutions to urban challenges. Interactive discussions and feedback sessions will enable continuous learning, allowing students to critically evaluate different urban models and apply key concepts effectively.
Supporting materials, including slides, readings and detailed exercises, will be provided to ensure accessibility to participants with different technical backgrounds. Hands-on exercises using QGIS will enable students to develop practical skills in spatial data analysis, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The course structure is designed to be adaptive, allowing participants to engage in peer learning, receive guidance from instructors and progressively develop skills in creating livable, sustainable and human-centered urban environments.
COURSE SUMMARY:
This course provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of livable cities, sustainable mobility and smart urban planning, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to critically evaluate and improve urban environments. Through an in-depth exploration of human-centered design, transportation networks, public spaces and emerging technologies, students will gain insights into the key factors that make a city more inclusive, efficient and environmentally sustainable.
By combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in GIS mapping and spatial analysis, participants will not only learn how to interpret and visualize urban data, but also develop the ability to propose data-driven solutions to contemporary urban challenges. The course emphasizes problem solving, strategic planning and innovation, ensuring that students can apply what they learn to real-world scenarios.
Through interactive discussions, case studies and hands-on exercises, participants will engage in collaborative learning experiences, working on projects that reflect the complexities of modern cities. By the end of the course, they will have the skills to evaluate urban mobility patterns, optimize transportation infrastructure and contribute to the development of cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents by promoting more connected, adaptable and sustainable urban spaces.
This course provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of livable cities, sustainable mobility and smart urban planning, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to critically evaluate and improve urban environments. Through an in-depth exploration of human-centered design, transportation networks, public spaces and emerging technologies, students will gain insights into the key factors that make a city more inclusive, efficient and environmentally sustainable.
By combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in GIS mapping and spatial analysis, participants will not only learn how to interpret and visualize urban data, but also develop the ability to propose data-driven solutions to contemporary urban challenges. The course emphasizes problem solving, strategic planning and innovation, ensuring that students can apply what they learn to real-world scenarios.
Through interactive discussions, case studies and hands-on exercises, participants will engage in collaborative learning experiences, working on projects that reflect the complexities of modern cities. By the end of the course, they will have the skills to evaluate urban mobility patterns, optimize transportation infrastructure and contribute to the development of cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents by promoting more connected, adaptable and sustainable urban spaces.
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:
