What makes a city liveable – and how can planning make it happen? 12 Steps to a City of People translates the ambition of people-centred urban development into a practical framework for cities, municipalities, planners and decision-makers. Developed by Spacelab, the research platform of sa_partners, the publication combines urban research with lessons from planning practice to define twelve principles for shaping adaptable, inclusive and vibrant cities and neighbourhoods.
At its core is the idea that cities must respond to the diversity and changing needs of the people who use them. The twelve steps address interconnected themes including public space, proximity, mobility, adaptable urban structures and climate resilience. Concepts such as the 15-minute city, active mobility and flexible urban development are brought together within a broader approach that places everyday life at the centre of planning.
The publication was developed through conversations with leading representatives from public administration, politics, academia, business and urban practice across Switzerland. Their perspectives connect strategic questions of urban development with the realities of implementation and decision-making.
12 Steps to a City of People received the ISOCARP Gerd Albers Award 2023 for Best Book. The research forms part of sa_partners' continuing work through Spacelab, connecting urban research and professional practice and translating emerging challenges into strategies that can be applied to real cities and projects.
The publication draws on interviews and statements from leading experts in urban planning, government, academia, infrastructure, real estate and economic development.
Contributors
The following specialists supported the project through expert interviews and statements: Beatrice Aebi, Head of Urban Planning, City of Wil; Prof. Dr. Kay W. Axhausen, Head of Institute, ETH Zurich; Vicente Carabias, Head of Smart City Specialist Office, City of Winterthur; Martin Flüger, Director, Swiss Association of Cities; Simone Gianini, Deputy Mayor, Bellinzona; Balz Halter, Owner and Chairman of the Board, Halter AG; Prof. Gunnar Heipp, Head of Institute IRAP Ostschweizer Fachhochschulen; René Hutter, Cantonal Planner Zug; Damian Jerjen, Director EspaceSuisse; Dr. Daniel Kolb, Head of Department Spatial Development Canton Aargau; Dr. Norbert Kräuchi, Head of Department Landscape and Waters Canton Aargau; Prof. Dr. Daniel Kübler, Director Center for Democracy Aarau; Dr. Maria Lezzi, Director Federal Office for Spatial Development; Marco Mettler, Head of Department Open Space and Participation Pro Juventute Switzerland; Lukas Ott, Head Cantonal and Urban Development Basel City; Simone Rangosch, Director Civil Engineering Office City of Zurich; Anna Schindler, Director Urban Development City of Zurich; Monika Suter, Cantonal Planner Bern; Ariane Widmer Pham, Cantonal Planner Geneva; Sonja Wollkopf Walt, Managing Director Greater Zurich Area AG.
