At the online meeting on 21 November 2025, the Working Group on Urban Development and Open Space Planning examined in depth issues relating to social participation and safety in public spaces.
The focus was on the observation that urban open spaces are coming under increasing pressure – due to growing demands for their use, but also as a result of social and demographic changes. Issues such as loneliness in cities, the subjective sense of safety and socio-spatial exclusion were discussed from a landscape architecture perspective. The presentations highlighted the significant impact that social developments have on public spaces and the importance of addressing social inequalities through planning. Landscape architecture can make a significant contribution here to the design of open, accessible spaces that can be used in a variety of ways.
In addition, the working group addressed the bdla’s planned participation in the Federal Congress on National Urban Development Policy (NSP), which is to take place in Cologne from 14 to 16 September 2026. Cooperation with the German Academy for Urban and Regional Planning (DASL) and the Association of German Architects (BDA) is to be further consolidated; the working group will be closely involved in the development of the programme.
Finally, political developments relevant to planning and urban development were discussed, including the EU Regulation on the Restoration of Nature, the so-called “Bauturbo” and a possible amendment to the HOAI.
Source: bdla association journal “landschaftsarchitekt:innen” 1/2026
- Latitude: 0
- Longitude: 0
