Living spaces, cities and regions shaping the built environment for everyone : developing the city to foster sustainability and conviviality in Toulouse : peer-learning visit report

Toulouse is known for its historical centre and the distinctive architecture of the pink brick buildings. Home to important University faculties and business hubs, vibrant and with a renowned quality of life, Toulouse attracts 5000+ new residents every year. In this context, availability of housing is a prominent challenge, coupled by climate crisis events, such as heatwaves. Architecture and urban planning practices gain importance in this context. State of art mobility solutions and climate infrastructure are being constructed while Toulouse strives to valorise its architectural heritage and to offer living spaces for its residents and their diverse needs. Toulouse has to preserve, support, renew and restructure important parts of the urban environment while remaining consistent towards its strategic objectives. The Urban Planning Department is supported by the political leaders and a very comprehensive legal framework that points to the same directions. Yet, implementing such changes requires hard and soft powers: a solid plan as a basis for negotiations.