INTRODUCTION Designing Resilient Cities for a Changing World: The Urgency of Global Challenges Cities are at the forefront of some of the most pressing global challenges—such as climate change, urbanisation, sustainability and public health. With nearly 70% of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, according to the United Nations (UN), cities will play a crucial role in shaping both human well-being and environmental resilience. Central to these challenges is the built environment, which is responsible for nearly 37% of global CO₂ emissions. Cities as a whole contribute around 70%, with buildings alone accounting for approximately 40% of urban emissions. As cities expand, the dominance of concrete, steel and glass exacerbates the urban heat island effect, increases energy consumption and places significant strain on water, air and food systems. Yet, the built environment is not just a contributor to these problems—it is also a powerful driver of sustainable solutions. Urban centres hold the greatest potential for transformation, serving as testing grounds for policy innovation, green technology and community-driven adaptation strategies. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality. Rising global temperatures are triggering extreme weather events, from devastating wildfires in California and Australia to catastrophic flooding in July 2021—when severe floods in Germany and parts of Western Europe (including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and record-breaking rainfall in China’s Henan province, particularly in Zhengzhou, led to severe damage and a loss of human life. Coastal cities are confronting rising sea levels, while landlocked urban city centres face intensifying heat waves and shifting climate patterns. These disruptions threaten critical infrastructure, displace populations and exacerbate social inequalities, particularly in low-income and marginalised communities that are often located in areas most vulnerable to climate risks. In many cities, these communities also have fewer resources to adapt, whether through access to cooling infrastructure, resilient housing or financial support to rebuild after disasters. That said, sustainability is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating resilient systems that support both human and ecological health. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 underscored the interdependence of urban health, environmental conditions and social policies. Public spaces became critical lifelines, reinforcing the need for accessible green areas, pedestrian-friendly streets and improved air quality. During lockdowns, outdoor activities in Oslo surged by 291%, underscoring the vital role of green spaces in urban settings. Likewise, studies have shown that 43.2% of the public
