Creating ‘natureful’ cities

Planning and sustainability experts from around Perth gathered in the City of Gosnells today to learn more about creating biophilic cities.

What is a biophilic city, you ask? They are cities with nature at their heart. They are cities whose residents value their connection to nature and celebrate and protect the natural features of their city.

Hosted by the City’s Switch your thinking team as part of a Federal grant for National Science Week 2018, the ‘Biophilic urbanism: Creating a vibrant and natureful city’ workshop attracted around 120 industry professionals.

City of Gosnells Mayor Glenn Dewhurst, who also attended, said the event was about bringing urban planners together to include nature in the planning of communities.

“The idea behind biophilic cities is that nature is central to how the city and its people function – governments, planners and decision makers should be thinking about our natural and urban environments as one,” he said.

“We hope to create more sustainable communities by bringing together those who design our cities and giving them the tools, inspiration and real life examples of thriving, liveable cities.”

At this free session, a diverse panel of experts shared their knowledge of biophilic urbanism with presentations on governance, community, water, urban forests, infill development, ‘tiny house’ living and nature pods.

The workshop was also part of the Switch your thinking Change Makers: Climate science and adaptation series, which involves free workshops to help the community thrive in Perth’s changing climate.

To find out more, please call the City on 9397 3000 or visit www.switchyourthinking.com.

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