Over the past few weeks, the CAVIAR Research Group has continued to disseminate the outcomes of the KALELAGUN project across academic, professional and social settings. Participation in an international congress, a research stay in Japan, and involvement in a public event on unwanted loneliness demonstrate the project’s commitment to designing urban environments that promote wellbeing and social connections.
3rd World Congress on Age-Friendly Cities and Communities
On 17 June, Olatz Irulegi Garmendia, a member of the CAVIAR Research Group, took part in the 3rd World Congress on Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (3WCAFCC), an international event dedicated to promoting cities and communities that respond to people’s needs throughout their lives. During the congress, she presented the KALELAGUN project, highlighting how urban design can contribute to the wellbeing, independence and social relationships of older people.
Her presentation also featured the Barrendain Square redevelopment project in Beasain, illustrating how accessibility, green infrastructure, urban furniture and climate adaptation strategies can create public spaces that are more inclusive, comfortable and attractive for everyone.
Academic stay at Kanagawa University
In mid-July, Olatz Irulegi Garmendia undertook an academic stay at Kanagawa University (Yokohama, Japan) through the Erasmus+ mobility programme of the University of the Basque Country (EHU).
During her stay, she taught Architecture courses and presented the ETXELAGUN y KALELAGUN projects, two research initiatives focused on designing housing and public spaces that help reduce unwanted loneliness, foster social interaction and improve people’s wellbeing.
As part of the teaching activities, students worked on two Japanese case studies: the Gifu Kitagata Apartment Building, designed by SANAA, and Hoshikawa Station Plaza in Yokohama. This collaboration provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and explore how design strategies that promote wellbeing can be applied in different international contexts.
Sharing experiences on unwanted loneliness
On 16 July, Miriam Varela Alonso y Saioa González Gutiérrez took part in an event on unwanted loneliness held as part of Ongizatearen Plaza, an initiative promoted by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.
he event opened with the screening of two short documentaries by Ados Teatroa, featuring real-life testimonies that gave voice to this growing social issue. This was followed by a panel discussion in which the CAVIAR Research Group represented the KALELAGUN project alongside organisations including Teléfono de la Esperanza de Gipuzkoa, Cruz Roja, Nagusilan, Maitaro Zerbitzua and Kuvu, among others.
The event provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and reflect on the role that both urban design and community action can play in preventing unwanted loneliness and strengthening social relationships.
Through these initiatives, the CAVIAR Research Group continues to promote applied research that combines international knowledge exchange, collaboration with public authorities and social engagement to foster more inclusive, healthier and people-centred cities and public spaces.
