5 learnings on building cities for future living
Partner
Speaker
Location
Studio Barcelona
Published Date
February 18, 2026
As cities grow denser and complexity increases. The question is now about how we build cities for the people who live in them. Here are the key learnings shaping that conversation during Cristina's Open Talk in Xplore.
Cristina Garrido is the CEO of Anteverti, a consulting firm specializing in urban innovation and strategic foresight. With over 18 years of international experience, she works with cities, corporations, and institutions to define bold strategic visions and translate them into measurable impact, helping create better everyday life for many people in cities.
Cristina Garrido, Open Talk, Xplore Studio Barcelona
01 Urban innovation must be culturally rooted
There is no universal city solution. Effective strategies must be shaped by local context, culture, and community needs. “Parachuting” solutions from outside rarely works long term.
02 Public space must be inclusive across generations
Cities must work for everyone. Elders, children, youth, and diverse communities need safe, welcoming environments. When certain groups disappear from public space, it signals a deeper design and policy failure.
03 Public space will become an extension of the home
As housing becomes less affordable and living spaces shrink, cities will need to invest more in green areas, pedestrian zones, and inclusive environments. The quality of shared space will play a key role in supporting everyday life in future cities.
04 Innovation is broader than technology
“Innovation can also mean low tech.” While AI, data, and digital tools matter, transformation can also come from simple, creative interventions: painting streets, redesigning public space, incentivizing behavior, or empowering communities. Innovation is a mindset before it is a tool.
05 Cities must put people at the center. Always.
Every policy, design, and innovation should begin with one question: does this improve people’s quality of life? Human-centered urbanism is not optional, it’s foundational.
Future cities won’t be defined by scale or technology alone, but by how well they support everyday life. The real challenge is creating environments that are inclusive, adaptable, and human-centered. Living well must become the measure of urban success.
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