Foundations: Cities, health, and the case for building differently

Join us for an insightful session organized by Transitions Research and the Institute for Science, Innovation and Society (InSIS) at the University of Oxford during London Climate Action Week!

Foundations: Cities, Health and the Case for Building Differently is a 90-minute exploration of how our built environment influences health outcomes in a warming world. We’ll delve into key topics such as construction materials, building design, thermal comfort, local knowledge, and urban infrastructure governance.

Who should attend? This event is tailored for:

• Global health researchers
• Architects and engineers
• Built environment practitioners
• Construction-sector professionals
• Gender and care economy researchers
• Urban development policymakers
• Climate adaptation practitioners

Key Themes:

1. Urban health and the built environment
2. Green construction, local materials, and the informal sector
3. Co-production, equity, and governing for healthy cities

Our discussion will highlight the implications of poorly ventilated housing, heat-trapping buildings, and toxic materials, particularly in low-income urban areas and rapidly urbanizing cities in the Global South. We’ll also explore how locally adapted, low-carbon construction methods can enhance health, bolster local economies, and foster climate resilience.

Event Format:

• Opening framing
• Structured working group discussions focused on the three themes
• Closing synthesis to pinpoint research priorities, policy gaps, and collaborative opportunities

We are in the process of confirming headline speakers, and we aim to create a shared understanding of why cities, construction, health, and sustainability need to integrate rather than function separately. Insights gained will be documented in a synthesis note that outlines research priorities and collaboration opportunities.

📍 Location: Victoria Library
🔗 Get your ticket here!