Talkshop: Why do we choose city life when happiness is found in the countryside?

Over the past decade, the share of Denmark’s population living in the Greater Copenhagen area and in cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants has grown by 5% — an increase of 376,192 people.
Yet, a 2023 research project supported by Realdania shows that people living in rural areas are, on average, a little happier — challenging the narrative of the struggling countryside.

While cities continue to project significant population growth and an urgent need for new housing, perhaps it’s time to promote life beyond the urban centers — and to unlock the potential of rural areas, for example by reusing existing vacant buildings for homes.

In this Talkshop, we’ll discuss how transforming existing buildings in rural areas — rather than building new ones — can contribute to livable, sustainable communities. We’ll also explore how a more nuanced narrative about rural life can translate into real projects and funding opportunities.

Based on an inspirational talk by futurist Tanja Nyrup Madsen (FriFugl), participants will share insights, ideas, and challenges around how to make better use of existing buildings and resources across the urban–rural divide.

Talkshop program
08:30–09:00 Arrival, coffee & croissants
09:00 Welcome and introduction
Inspirational talk:
Why do we choose city life when happiness is found in the countryside?
– Tanja Nyrup Madsen, FriFugl
Facilitated discussion
11:00 Summary and thank you

Where
BLOXHUB, Fæstningens Materielgård
Meeting room: Los Angeles

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