NO STONE UNTURNED: HOW GENDER-CONSCIOUS URBAN PLANNING CREATES BETTER PLACES FOR EVERYONE

In the latest episode of No Stone Unturned, the Savills Netherlands podcast, Charlotte de Mos speaks with City Councillor Elise Moeskops and designer Eva James about a topic that is steadily gaining recognition in the urban development sector: gender-sensitive urban planning. What does it actually mean? Why is it considered a niche concept and not a necessity? And how can developers, designers, and investors apply it?

One city, many experiences

Although cities are built for everyone, they are not always designed inclusively. “The way we shape our cities has historically been based primarily on the male perspective,” Elise explains. “You can see it in everything: from street lighting to the location of bus stops.”

Eva adds: “That doesn’t mean we need a pink version of the city for women. It’s about including all perspectives in the design.”

Why this matters now

The impact of gender-neutral or gender-blind planning is greater than you might think. Consider parks that are deserted in the evening, cycle paths without proper lighting, or residential areas without amenities within walking distance.

“Many women make several short trips per day. That requires a different infrastructure than the traditional home-to-work commute,” says Elise. By ignoring these patterns in design and policy, blind spots arise - literally and figuratively.

Combining data with stories

According to Eva, the key lies in combining quantitative data with qualitative insights. “Real estate specialists love data, and rightly so. But the stories of users are just as valuable. How does a place make you feel? Which areas do you avoid?”

It’s exactly in this interplay that the potential lies to make cities more liveable for everyone. Technology also plays a role here. GPS data from smartphones or public transport systems can, for example, reveal how different groups move through the city.

An opportunity for investors and developers

Gender-conscious urban planning is not only about fairness, but also about quality and returns. “If you create cities where everyone feels comfortable, they become more attractive and therefore retain their value better,” Eva notes.

Charlotte adds: “Social sustainability and inclusivity are themes that weigh more heavily in investment decisions.”

Start small, achieve big impact

The biggest lesson from this episode? You don’t need to tear up an entire masterplan to make a difference. Elise: “Start small. Look at walking routes, lighting, or benches. Involve different users in your design. And be curious.”

The aim is to create cities where everyone feels safe, included, and represented.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of No Stone Unturned on your favourite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the episode on Youtube.