At the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, global urban leaders gathered to explore how cities can move beyond technology-driven solutions and focus on what truly matters: people’s everyday experience of urban life. A highlight of the programme was the session “Measuring Liveability: Evidence-Based Approaches to Urban Futures,” moderated by Mustafa Sherif.
Framing Liveability Beyond the Numbers
The session addressed one of today’s most pressing urban questions: how do we actually measure liveability in a meaningful way? Traditional indices and rankings often rely on standardized data sets that fail to capture local culture, social dynamics, climate, and lived experience. The discussion instead focused on evidence-based and participatory approaches that allow cities to define and measure wellbeing on their own terms.
By setting the tone for the conversation, Sherif emphasized that liveability is not a universal formula, but a locally grounded concept that must be co-created with residents.
Insights from the Norman Foster Foundation
The session featured insights from the Norman Foster Foundation, presented by Irene Martín Luque, Head of Research. The presentation highlighted how tailored wellbeing indicators and participatory research methods can help cities better understand what matters most to their communities.
Rather than relying on generic benchmarks, the approach focused on context-specific indicators shaped through dialogue with local stakeholders—ensuring that urban futures are not only smart, but inclusive and responsive.
Why This Conversation Matters
As cities worldwide face rapid urbanisation, climate challenges, and social transformation, the question of liveability becomes increasingly critical. The session underscored a key message: the future of cities depends on combining data, design, and human experience.
By anchoring innovation in evidence and participation, cities can move toward urban futures that are more equitable, resilient, and genuinely centred on the people who live there—an ambition strongly aligned with the spirit of the Smart City Expo.
Mustafa Sherif 