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BLOXHUB Talks: IBASHO – Belonging as an Urban Design Principle

April 17 @ 8:30 - 10:30

What is Ibasho?

In Japanese, ibasho describes both a physical place and an inner state – the feeling of being safe, accepted, and needed.

As an urban design principle, it links architecture and psychology, space and social life. It invites us to see belonging not as a by-product of design, but as a condition for it.

Why now?

Cities are facing ageing populations, social isolation, and growing mental health challenges. Japanese practice offers a perspective where belonging is treated as foundational infrastructure.

What can Nordic and European cities learn from this approach?

What you will gain

For BLOXHUB members and partners, this session offers an opportunity to:

  • Explore new lenses on urban wellbeing and belonging

  • Engage with Japanese and Nordic practitioners working with placemaking and human-centred transformation

  • Reflect on how belonging can function as urban infrastructure

  • Translate insights into Nordic and European practice through dialogue and collaboration

Join us

Participate onsite at BLOXHUB or online via livestream.
Secure your spot here

Programme

08:30-09:00 Breakfast and arrival – with Japanese culinary touches

09:00 Welcome and setting the scene: Why Japan – and why now?

09:10 Keynote (live online) @Yuki Ikeguchi, Executive Vice President, Kengo Kuma & Associates
Japanese placemaking, materiality, and the cultural dimensions of space

09:30 Keynote @Leon Legeland, Partner, Gehl Architects
Human-centred urban transformation, including lessons from Shibuya Station revitalisation

09:50 Ibasho in practice: Belonging as urban infrastructure
Including insights from The Paradox of Proximity: Preventing Urban Loneliness

10:05 Panel conversation

10:20 Participatory session

10:30 Closing reflections and networking

We’re looking forward to seeing you! 

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