IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Urban health is increasingly understood as the outcome of integrated, climate-responsive planning that aligns cultural identity, urban form, and public wellbeing. This paper examines how three culturally and climatically distinct cities—Sarajevo, Medina, and Ljubljana—are addressing urban health through context-sensitive strategies that promote resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Sarajevo, shaped by its mountainous terrain and a unique fusion of European and Oriental urban forms, offers a walkable, human-scaled environment that encourages physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion. Its dense, mixed-use neighborhoods reduce car dependence while supporting cultural exchange and environmental adaptation. This combination of traditional and modern urban elements fosters both mental and physical health, making Sarajevo resilient to complex climatic and social challenges. Medina, shaped by religious pilgrimage and continuous 24-hour urban activity, offers a model for preserving cultural identity while adapting to extreme heat, population fluctuations, and health infrastructure needs. Guided by Vision 2030, Medina’s planning focuses on thermal comfort, sustainable infrastructure, and mobility systems for both residents and pilgrims, without compromising its cultural heritage. Ljubljana, recognized for sustainable urbanism, demonstrates how long-term planning, green infrastructure, and participatory governance can support healthier, climate-resilient cities. By integrating nature, clean mobility, and community-led initiatives, Ljubljana shows how health and environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand. This paper argues that livable, resilient cities emerge from culturally grounded, place-based planning that integrates health and climate adaptation into urban life.