What makes Copenhagen considered one of the best cities to live in? Does „Hygge” really exist? What is daily life like in the city of bicycles and communities? Can modern cities still create neighborhoods? Karolina Lepa–Stewart – an architect and urban planner associated with the international firm Henning Larsen, who has been living and working in Copenhagen for years, will talk about this during the third meeting in the Gdańsk Urban Talks series, which will take place on May 27 at NOMUS – The Museum of Modern Art in Gdańsk.
The lecture topic will be „A place to live, or how Copenhagen lives.” The meeting will be dedicated to how contemporary cities can support the daily lives of residents, build a sense of community, and create spaces conducive to social relationships.
For years, Copenhagen has been considered one of the best examples of a city designed with residents' quality of life in mind. The Danish urban planning model is based, among other things, on the development of public and bicycle transport, green-blue infrastructure, local services, and common spaces.
– We are increasingly talking about how to design cities that are resilient to climate change or well-connected. But the question of how to design cities where people simply live well is equally important – says Michał Jamroż, project manager of Gdańsk Nowe Południe (InvestGDA / Pomeranian Development Agency). – Copenhagen is one of the most interesting European examples of combining high-quality public spaces with the daily comfort of residents and a strong sense of local community.
Neighborhood in a modern city
During the meeting, Karolina Lepa–Stewart will talk not only about Copenhagen's urban planning and architecture but also about the social dimension of the city and the importance of local communities.
The lecture will be an attempt to answer the question of whether it is still possible to build strong neighborly relations and a sense of belonging to a place in contemporary, dynamically developing cities.
The guest will also present examples of urban and housing solutions that support resident integration and the daily functioning of local communities. Topics related to the city's climate policy, mobility, and public space design will also be covered.
About the speaker
Karolina Lepa–Stewart is an architect and urban planner with over 20 years of international experience. She has worked in Denmark, Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates, and Poland, among other countries. She currently lives in Copenhagen, where she collaborates with the Henning Larsen firm as a team leader and director of urban projects for international master plans and development plans.
About the Gdańsk Urban Talks series
Gdańsk Urban Talks is a series of open meetings dedicated to contemporary cities, urban planning, and mobility. The events are jointly organized by Gdańsk Nowe Południe (InvestGDA and Pomeranian Development Agency) and Airport City Gdańsk (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport) in cooperation with the Architect of the City of Gdańsk, as a continuation of the „Open Lectures” format.
The series introduces residents to contemporary challenges related to spatial planning, public transport development, and designing cities that are more livable.
Event Information
- „A place to live, or how Copenhagen lives” – Karolina Lepa–Stewart
- date: Tuesday, May 27, 2026, 6:00 PM
- venue: NOMUS – The Museum of Modern Art
- free admission
- the lecture will be held in Polish
