The Good City

From Tokyo to Bristol

What makes a city tick? What can we learn from cities around the world? And how does Bristol measure up?

‘First life, then spaces, then buildings’ Jan Gehl

People make a city, but only if the city works for people. Research tells us that cities succeed when they put people first – investing in the homes and transport infrastructure they need to thrive. Plan it wrong and growth translates to gridlock, isolation and inequality.

Hear live from Tokyo, home to one of the best transport systems in the world, where 40 million passengers a day travel by rail. What does Tokyo get right? And where is there still work to do?

‘Tokyo is one of the safest, cleanest and most transit-oriented cities in the world’ Bloomberg CityLab

How can we house people well at the densities needed to make a city successful? What can Bristol learn from other fast-paced UK cities like Manchester? And how can New Towns like Brabazon lead the way in design quality and urbanism?

‘Maximising the number of people who can easily access public transport network & creating a viable system is not just about coverage… it means increasing the density of homes around transit stops.’ Centre for Cities

Join us for a talk exploring sustainable transport, urban density, and liveability. How can cities grow smarter, not just bigger, while remaining vibrant, inclusive, and enjoyable?

About The Event

The Good City is a series of talks looking at key components of City-Making & the solutions to our shared challenges. The event is delivered in partnership with One City and BDP.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Okada-San, Chief Planner, NK Urban Tokyo

Eiji OKADA is Chief Planner at NK Urban’s Tokyo headquarters, where he leads strategic planning for complex urban development projects across Japan. With deep expertise in metropolitan growth, transit-oriented development, and urban regeneration, he bridges design, policy, and implementation. Eiji is known for guiding multidisciplinary teams and shaping place-based strategies that respond to Tokyo’s evolving social, economic, and environmental needs.

Natalia Uribe, Cities Director, BDP

Natalia is an architect and urbanist with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in cities at the LSE. She has worked across more than 25 countries, collaborating with public and private sector clients to deliver transformative urban projects. Her cross-disciplinary approach integrates design, sustainability and social ecosystems, with expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, placemaking and social impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Andy Macintosh, Senior Associate FCB Studios

Andy leads residential and mixed-use projects, including major new communities such as Brabazon and Kirkstall Forge, and champions sustainability and environmental design across the firm’s work. Andy’s expertise spans masterplanning, housing, and placemaking, with a strong focus on socially responsible, low-carbon architecture that enhances communities and the built environment.

Adam Crowther, Head of City Transport, Bristol City Council

Adam Crowther is Head of City Transport at Bristol City Council, leading the city’s transport service (100TS). He is responsible for strategic planning, delivery and operation of Bristol’s transport network, working across local government, communities and partners. His work focuses on creating safe, inclusive and sustainable transport systems that support economic growth, reduce carbon emissions and improve everyday journeys for people across the city.

Our talks are open to the public and professionals alike.
The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA