Proximity in the small town of tomorrow

Proximity in the small town of tomorrow

by | Jul 25, 2025 | Events, Events

Side event at UIA World Congress of Architects Copenhagen 2023
July 5th, 2023 / COPENHAGEN
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This session aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities related to the design and planning of small urban communities in the coming years. As we continue to experience rapid urbanization, small cities are becoming increasingly important. These communities offer unique opportunities for sustainable development and vibrant social interaction.
However, designing for small cities requires a different approach than designing for large metropolitan areas.
In this session we discussed strategies for developing proximity in small cities as a lever for transfor-mation. We examined international case studies, considering the 15-minute city concept, the “happy proximity” including successful examples of walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and innovative public spaces.
Our speakers also addressed the challenges of small-town design, such as limited resources, access to technology and lack of diverse amenities.
International exchanges play a crucial role in promoting the concept of a 15-minute city and revitalizing small towns through proximity. We believe that this session provided valuable insights and inspiration for architects, planners, landscapers, and conservationists who are involved in designing for small cities. We encouraged all participants to engage in an open dialogue and share their own experiences and ideas.

The future of cities. Restarting from neighbourhoods

The future of cities. Restarting from neighbourhoods

by | Jul 25, 2025 | Events

International conference organized by CNAPPC in collaboration with the Municipality of Verona
April 22nd, 2024 / Veronafiere Congress Centre / VERONA
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The National Council of Architects Planners Landscapers and Conservationists presented in Verona “Project for the future – what cities and territories do we want to live in?”, an initiative suggesting a series of proposals for city policy, starting from the theme of urban regeneration. The international conference brought together urban planners, administrators, professionals and businesses to discuss how to rethink territories in a sustainable and inclusive way. The protagonist of the event was Carlos Moreno, creator of the ‘15-minute city’, who reiterated the urgent need for urban models that are closer to people, resilient and with a low environmental impact. Verona confirmed its status as a pilot city, having embarked on a participatory process to review its Urban Master Plan. A Memorandum of Understanding between CNAPPC and DARA was also presented to promote new urban policies. Deputy Mayor Bissoli focused on the most vulnerable, particularly young people, women and people with disabilities. Among the principles that emerged were proximity, accessibility, ecology and participation.

Paul Krugman in Padua: Rethinking Urban Wealth and Architecture for Human Well-Being

Paul Krugman in Padua: Rethinking Urban Wealth and Architecture for Human Well-Being

by | Jun 5, 2025 | News

On Friday, April 4, the University of Padua hosted a landmark international symposium titled “The Wealth of Nations and the Role of Architecture for an Urban Economy Focused on Human Well-Being,” organized by the Italian National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscapers and Conservators (CNAPPC). The event featured Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman, who delivered a powerful and timely keynote address.

A Thoughtful Institutional Opening

The symposium began with institutional greetings from key figures in academia and government: Antonio Parbonetti (Vice-Rector of the University of Padua), Paola Valbonesi (Director of the Department of Economics and Business Sciences “Marco Fanno”), Andrea Micalizzi (Deputy Mayor of Padua), and Roberto Righetto (President of FOAV and the local Order of Architects). Massimo Crusi, CNAPPC President, formally opened the event, followed by remarks from Senator Roberto Rosso, rapporteur of the new Urban Regeneration Law.

Paul Krugman: “Stable Cities, Stable Nations”

At 3:15 PM, Paul Krugman took the stage with a lecture titled “On the Stability of the Deplorables,” reflecting on the economic structures that can either deepen urban inequality or unlock inclusive growth. Krugman emphasized the need for urban planning that places human dignity, accessibility, and local resilience at the center of economic development.

Urban Challenges and Future Visions

The first thematic session, led by Catherine Gall (Executive Director of ETI Research, Sorbonne Paris), addressed contemporary struggles in urban life and governance:

  • Carlos Moreno (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne) explored the power of proximity as a pillar for sustainable and inclusive cities.
  • Karima Kourtit (Open University, Netherlands) reflected on the emotional and social bonds that shape cities in crisis.

After a short coffee break, the second session, titled “What Kind of Cities Do We Want to Live In?”, opened with a series of thought-provoking talks:

  • Philippe Rahm (Philippe Rahm Architects) made a compelling case for bioclimatic architecture.
  • Robin Wells (Princeton University) examined principles of urban equity.
  • Roberto Antonietti and Peter Nijkamp contributed insights on forgotten cities, climate resilience, and the global role of local policy.
  • The session concluded with reflections from Giuseppe Cappochin, former CNAPPC President.

A Forum with Impact

With over a hundred in-person attendees and a wide online audience, the event marked a significant moment in the evolving conversation about sustainable, human-centered urbanism. It made clear that architecture, economics, and policy must work hand in hand to shape cities that are resilient, inclusive, and designed for everyday life.

Design for Peace

Design for Peace

by | May 21, 2025 | Publications

An initiative in partnership with the Order of Architects of Rome, involving young architects (including Ukrainian professionals) in post-conflict reconstruction and peace through design.

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