The Good City

What makes a Good City?

Cities are good for us, or at least they can and should be. 

They have the potential to be good for economic growth, our quality of life and wellbeing, for arts and culture and for the environment. 

However, too often around the world, cities fail to live up to this potential. Urban centres accommodate 56% of the world’s population, generate 85% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but are also responsible for 70% of its CO2 emissions. 

Despite all of this, globally, cities also have the answer to many of the challenges we face, if only we shared the solutions. How can Bristol step up as a Good City & global leader?

Three leading city experts from around the world, share their insights into Good Cities through the lens of Urban Design, Housing, Climate Resilience, Investment, Social Innovation and Skills. 

The Good City

The Good City is the first in a series of talks looking at key components of City-Making & the solutions to our shared challenges. The event is delivered in partnership with One City, BDP and University of Bristol.  

Our Speakers

• Björn Bleumink, Director Rotterdam Studio, BDP
• Pete Gladwell, Group Social Impact & Investment Director, L&G
• Prof. Palie Smart, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Bristol 
• Sado Jirde, Director, Black South West Network

About Our Speakers

• Björn Bleumink has over twenty years of international experience in the design & development of a wide range of urban design & architectural projects across the housing, leisure, education & healthcare sector. Based in Rotterdam, he has worked on high profile projects in The Netherlands, South Korea, Germany & the U.S.A. 

• Pete Gladwell, leads on public sector investments (>£5bn) for Legal & General as part of a broader remit to identify & drive strategic initiatives through which L&G can use its resources to benefit society.  A former youth worker, Pete is heavily involved in local community projects in West London, an Honorary Professor at University College London, a Freeman of the City of London, and a Trustee of the Fairness Foundation.

• Professor Palie Smart is the Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Civic Engagement at University of Bristol, & serves as Chair of the One City Board for Skills & Innovation. In 2017, she became an appointed member of the UK Government’s Innovation Caucus to provide thought leadership to Innovate UK, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) & Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.  

This event is presented in partnership with BDP, University of Bristol & One City.

The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA