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Sometimes we hear about the disproportional influence of Amsterdam in Dutch politics. The city’s influence is probably derived from being the biggest and the wealthiest. However, at one point of time in Dutch history, Amsterdam was over 5 times as big as the second-biggest city of Rotterdam. A lot has changed since then, policies of decentralisation and bundled deconcentration have dispersed the population a lot more in the Netherlands, with a polycentric network of cities. Throughout history, the largest cities have risen and fallen around the world, often due to changes in trade routes, infrastructure, exploitation of specific resources, migration, and industrialization. In the Dutch context, the title of the biggest city within the current borders has moved from Maastricht to Deventer to Utrecht and finally to Amsterdam till now. During the Roman and early Middle Ages, holland was not yet the powerhouse it is now and was largely a swamp. We see that the cities of eastern and southern Netherlands dominate the leaderboard of the largest cities. In the late Middle Ages, the cities of Holland started growing spectacularly. The Eighty Years War and the fall of Antwerp led to the rise of Amsterdam. With the Dutch Golden Age, the dominance of Amsterdam grew tremendously. It is interesting to see the influential positions of cities such as Leiden and Delft during this era. Through a period of industrialisation, the cities of Brabant started occupying the leaderboard. While there are thousands of small decisions that led to the current state of Dutch cities, I find it quite interesting that the biggest shifts can be attributed to a few decisions. For example, had Den Bosch, which was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands around the 1400s, been more proactive in expansion beyond city walls, and attracted Philips and Radboud University, it would have been in an entirely different position today. Also, the fact that these cities rise and fall is quite sobering as an urbanist trying to work on the future of cities. What are your observations from this timeline? I am thinking of sharing a similar one for France or the UK next, do you have a preference? #urbanism #history

Imagine a city that pulsates with not just life, but joy. A place where cobblestone streets whisper stories of the past, waterways meander like ribbons of serenity, and independent shops brim with local charm. This isn't a utopian fantasy; it's the reality painted by Aarhus, Denmark, the reigning champion of the 2024 Happy City Index. But what exactly makes a city "happy"? The Happy City Index, a groundbreaking study by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life, delves deeper than just economic prosperity or population size. It unveils a tapestry woven from environmental excellence, social mobility, a thriving local economy, effective governance, and most importantly, the well-being of its citizens. Beyond the Cobblestones: Unveiling the Magic of Aarhus Aarhus isn't just about aesthetics; it's a city that prioritizes the well-being of its residents. Think pristine waterways reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability, a strong sense of community fostered through resident involvement, and a walkable, bike-friendly infrastructure that makes mobility a breeze. The city's vibrant cultural scene, boasting historical landmarks and a thriving arts community, adds another layer of richness to the fabric of life in Aarhus.

Skåne County, also known as Scania County, is the southernmost county in Sweden. It is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities. Here are some highlights: Malmö Malmö Malmö: The largest city in Skåne and the third largest in Sweden, Malmö is known for its modern architecture, including the Turning Torso, and its historical sites like Malmöhus Castle12. Lund Lund Lund: Home to one of the oldest universities in Scandinavia, Lund University, this city is known for its medieval cathedral and vibrant student life2. Helsingborg Helsingborg Helsingborg: A coastal city with a rich history, Helsingborg offers beautiful views across the Öresund Strait to Denmark2. Nature and Outdoor Activities: Skåne is famous for its diverse landscapes, including white sandy beaches, rolling hills, and dense forests. The region is perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring nature reserves like Stenshuvud National Park2. Cultural Heritage: The county is dotted with historical sites, including ancient monuments, castles, and museums that reflect its Danish past2. Skåne’s unique blend of urban and natural attractions makes it a fascinating destination. Is there something specific you’d like to know more about? #skanecountry

🎯 One Health in Strategic Design! Last week, three cities from our URBACT network gathered in Munich to discuss the design of One Health strategies. ✔ Lahti and Lyon shared their experiences in developing their local health strategies, where the One Health approach is both transversal and central. Our host city, Munich, is currently designing its Health Guideline, integrating the One Health approach as a key component. ✔ We gained valuable insights from these collaborative discussions, which we look forward to sharing soon! ✔ Additionally, we had the opportunity to test a new tool developed by our network: the One Health Assessment Grid. This tool will help analyze how urban policies and strategies align with the One Health approach. 💚 Special thanks to Munich for showcasing their diverse green spaces, and Sophie Arzberger from the Technical University of Munich, for highlighting the importance of the structure of a green space in balancing cooling effect and usability. Stay tuned for more updates and learnings from this fruitful meeting! Thank you for hosting : Landeshauptstadt München, Antje Kohlrusch, Andreas Bichler, Marion Chenevas and Laura Geiger. And thank you for your participation : Ville de Lyon, Lahden kaupunki / City of Lahti, Guillaume FAUVEL, Marlène Dussauge, Sofia Aivalioti, Päivi Sieppi   #URBACT #OneHealth #OneHealth4Cities #PublicHealth #Urbanplanning #Sustainability

#Vienna has been named the world's most liveable city for the third year running by the latest annual #GlobalLiveabilityIndex of the Economist Intelligence: EIU: https://lnkd.in/dbqJ4DP7   In 2018, Vienna became the first European city to ever top the #ranking, replacing Melbourne as the most liveable city after seven years. Vienna retained its first-place position in 2019, 2022 and 2023. Among the 173 cities ranked this year, the key factors that attributed to Vienna’s top spot were #stability, #healthcare, #education, and reliable #infrastructure.   #Additionally, Monocle has ranked Vienna as the second-best city to live in. Congratulations to Munich for clinching the top spot! A city that offers a #HighQualityOfLife to its residents is also an appealing destination for visitors.   © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper I Stadt Wien I #GlobalRecognition #MostLiveableCity #ViennaNow  

Helsingborg has a brand new Centre for Innovation – Parken. When we say we are one of Europe's most innovative and sustainable cities, we mean it 🤝 Parken, located in Oceanhamnen, will be the meeting place for the public sector, businesses, and academia - a place where we can shape the future through innovation and collaboration. Parken's inauguration highlighted the dedication and strives Helsingborg has already made in the way of innovation initiatives and sustainability. A newly developed and electrified mobility solution from The e-Miles Company was showcased. With its 3D-printed and different design, it could shape sustainable urban mobility of the future. Want to know more and be involved? On March 5, in collaboration with Campus Helsingborg, Lunds universitet - Parken will host Forskardagen 2024, a practical example of how research and innovation are connected and can contribute to developing the city. 📖 Read more about Parken here: https://lnkd.in/d2jj4fP9 📅 More info and sign up for Forskardagen 2024 here: https://lnkd.in/dhKq83je #Helsingborg #HelsingborgInnovation #SustainableCities #UrbanInnovation #CollaborativeInnovation #FutureMobility #SmarterCities

🔝 Amsterdam and Helsinki in the Top 10 Happiest Cities in the World The Institute for Quality of Life has released its annual HAPPY CITY INDEX. Alongside Amsterdam, which ranks 5th, Helsinki comes in at 6th place and Espoo at 30th. TOP 10: 1. Aarhus (Denmark) 2. Zurich (Switzerland) 3. Berlin (Germany) 4. Gothenburg (Sweden) 5. Amsterdam (Netherlands) 6. Helsinki (Finland) 7. Bristol (United Kingdom) 8. Copenhagen (Denmark) 9. Geneva (Switzerland) 10. Munich (Germany) The top spot in the ranking goes to Aarhus (or Århus) in Denmark. I’ve heard a lot about this small city far from Copenhagen, with offices of global companies, great architecture, and… terrible weather)) I checked the map, and it’s just an 800 km drive. It's definitely on my list to visit. This index evaluates both objective and subjective indicators of residents’ happiness. The ranking includes cities whose activities can be measured based on objective, transparent, and verifiable data. Importantly, the index assesses not only the activities of city authorities but also all areas that directly influence residents' happiness. The index doesn’t claim to be 100% objective but attempts to gather all the data together and propose a methodology that allows tracking residents' happiness over time. ❓ What’s your favorite city? #HappyCity #QualityOfLife #GlobalCities #Amsterdam #Helsinki #UrbanHappiness

#Munich has proudly secured second place in the latest Prognos-Städteranking 2024, showcasing its resilience and forward-thinking approach amidst the urban challenges of digitalization, climate change, and housing shortages. 🏆 This ranking, compiled by Prognos AG and Handelsblatt, assessed 71 major German cities based on 28 key indicators, including ecology, mobility, social factors, employment, and digitalization. Munich’s high placement reflects its effective strategies in these areas, particularly in renewable energy, transportation safety, and healthcare. ✨ Munich’s high ranking reflects its robust urban development strategies, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, transportation safety, and healthcare. Impressively, two out of the top five cities are in Bavaria, with Munich proudly securing second place. This recognition reflects Munich’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, digital transformation, and maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. The city’s success serves as a model for other urban areas striving to navigate the challenges of the future. Sounds good to you? Come and join us! https://lnkd.in/dMRg38wh munich business #successinbavaria #qualityoflife

Munich's impressive 7th place ranking in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey is a testament to the city's exceptional attributes that elevate its overall quality of life. At the core of Munich's success is its robust #infrastructure, a key factor that secured its 3rd place position in this category. The city boasts efficient public services, a well-developed transportation network, and excellent international connectivity. This strong foundation ensures that residents and businesses alike benefit from seamless daily operations and connectivity on a global scale. 🌐🚀 The dynamic cultural scene in Munich is another standout feature contributing to its high quality of living. The city's rich cultural offerings provide residents with a diverse range of activities, high-quality #healthcare facilities and top-notch medical services, events, and experiences, fostering a vibrant and engaging lifestyle. Munich's commitment to cultural development aligns perfectly with the criteria for assessing the quality of living, making it an appealing destination for those who value a well-rounded and stimulating environment. Munich's commitment to excellence in infrastructure, culture, and healthcare secures its 7th place in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey. Renowned as a highly desirable location for residents and businesses, Munich exceeds expectations, offering exceptional quality of life, enduring appeal, and global recognition. 🌆 Find out about Bavarian culture and their way of living, here: https://lnkd.in/dCPezK47 bavarian way of life-image.main.5minuteswith&utm_term=generic-generic #MunichLiving #QualityOfLife #mercerstudy