Cartesius internationally recognized as an example for livable cities at World Economic Forum
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, the report Blueprint for Livable Economies was presented. This report cites Cartesius in Utrecht as an exemplary project and international showcase for livable cities. This is a special recognition, positioning Cartesius as a world first in the field of healthy, inner-city area development.
Cartesius is a Living Blue Zone: an urban neighborhood where scientific insights from the so-called Blue Zones have been translated into the everyday living environment. In these areas around the world, people demonstrably live longer and healthier lives. In Cartesius, these insights are being applied for the first time in an urban context, right in the middle of the city.
A neighborhood designed around healthy living
The development of Cartesius is based on one clear ambition: to create a healthy and future-proof living environment for people and animals. The neighborhood encourages socializing, exercise, and relaxation, with a strong focus on nature, sustainable mobility, and healthy food. This creates a living environment that is not only pleasant to live in, but also actively contributes to well-being and quality of life.
Measuring to improve
What sets Cartesius apart is that health and livability are not only guiding principles in the design, but are also monitored and measured in practice. By gaining insight into what works, valuable knowledge is gained about how the layout of a neighborhood contributes to health, well-being, and sustainability. These insights help to further improve Cartesius and at the same time provide input for future urban developments.
Cooperation as a basis
Cartesius is a development by the Cartesius Development Consortium MRP and Ballast Nedam Development, in collaboration with the Municipality of Utrecht and NS Stations. The urban and landscape design is by Mecanoo. The architecture is by EVA Architects (Okinawa and the Cartesius Parking Garage), Paul de Ruiter Architects (Nicoya and Loma Linda) and de Architekten Cie (Baunei). Project management is being carried out in collaboration with Drees & Sommer Netherlands. The realization of phase 2 is in the hands of Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling (the CAB, Okinawa, and the Parking Garage) and Ballast Nedam West (Nicoya). The next phases of Cartesius are currently under development.
With international recognition in the KPMG report, Cartesius underscores its role as a progressive example of how urban development can contribute to healthy people, strong communities, and a sustainable future.