World Urbanism Day

World Urbanism Day: Crafting the Blueprint for Happier Cities

World Urbanism Day, also known as World Town Planning Day, is an international event that intends to raise the public’s understanding of the importance of urban planning and its function in creating cities that are livable, sustainable, and equitable.
So what is this day really about, and why should you care about urbanism?

The ABCs of City Planning

The term “urbanism” sounds like a bot of a modern phrase, but its origins can be traced back to the Latin word “urbs,” which translates to “city.”
Urbanism is the art and craft of planning and designing cities and other urban areas.It is more than merely constructing buildings and roads. It’s where art, science, and society collide to create vibrant cityscapes. Where city dreams meet reality, crafting concrete jungles into urban wonderlands. Ideally that is…

A Brief Stroll Through Urbanism’s History

Once upon a time, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome built large cities with complex infrastructure and social systems. The Greeks and Romans also contributed a great deal to urbanization, which included the development of grid plans and public areas.
These early cities created the foundations of urban development and are still being used today.

European cities in the Middle Ages were defined by narrow streets, tall buildings, and fortified walls.
The Renaissance period in Europe, on the other hand, saw a renewal of interest in urban design, as seen by the creation of symmetrical, visually pleasing cities, broad streets, open plazas, and monumental architecture.

The Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of a new phase of urbanization in Europe and North America. New cities and villages sprung up like mushrooms around factories and mines.
These early industrial towns were notoriously overcrowded, unsanitary, and rife with inequality. 

Today, urbanism is more important than ever as cities face challenging situations that involve sustainability, climate change, social equity, and fast urban growth. The goal of modern urbanism is to create a balance between efficiency, environmental responsibility, and the overall health of city people.
With each step forward in its history, urbanism should hopefully bring us closer to transforming our concrete jungles into sustainable havens.

The Origin of World Urbanism Day

World Urbanism Day was created in 1949 by Carlos María della Paolera, an Argentinian civil engineer and urban planner.
Della Paolera was a strong advocate for sustainable and equitable urban development.
He believed that urban planning could be used to create better cities for everyone.
It serves as a platform to raise awareness about the far-reaching impact of modern-day urbanism and to inspire innovative solutions that nurture the happiness of urban dwellers while preserving our environment.
World Urbanism Day is a reminder that, when it comes to our cities, we’re all in this together. 

How To Celebrate World Urbanism Day

There are many ways to celebrate World Urbanism Day. 

• Learn more about urban planning, its role in creating livable cities and share your knowledge with your social circles.
• Attend local urban planning events, discussions, or workshops in your area to gain a deeper understanding of your city’s future.
• Volunteer your time to help improve your community.
• Support and advocate for sustainable urban development, from green spaces to public transportation, in your community. 
• Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support sustainable and equitable urban development.
• Form or join organizations that focus on urbanism and work collectively to shape your city’s future.
• Share your thoughts and ideas about urbanism on social media using the hashtag #WorldUrbanismDay.

Your contribution, no matter how small, is like a brick in the foundation of a better, brighter urban future.

Shaping a better tomorrow

World Urbanism Day is a reminder that cities are not just places to live and work – they are also complex systems that need to be carefully planned and managed. By raising awareness about the importance of urbanism, we can help to build better cities for future generations.