START WITH CHILDREN: Kristian Villadsen (DK)

Kristian Villadsen: Mestský život a udržateľné správanie v Kodani

What makes urban life truly liveable for everyone, and how can we embed sustainable behaviour into masterplanning and city-making from the very beginning?

In this talk, Kristian Villadsen, an architect and urban strategist based in Copenhagen with more than 20 years of experience as a partner and director at Gehl and later at BRIQ, will share insights from his work shaping vibrant, family-friendly districts.

His portfolio includes projects such as Carlsberg Byen in Copenhagen, the Meatpacking District in Stockholm and Travbyen in Billund. He is advising cities including Copenhagen, Berlin, Stockholm and Shanghai and is member of the advisory board for the International Building Exhibition Stuttgart 2027.

Kristian will explore how family-focused design can encourage sustainable behaviours, while integrating bold commercial and social thinking into the fabric of urban districts.

Attendees will gain practical insights into placemaking and how thoughtful strategies can transform masterplans into inclusive environments where people of all ages feel they belong.

The partners of Start with Children 2026 are Nadácia Alianz and Karel Komárek Family Foundation.