Urban environments shape the everyday lives of individuals through their design, accessibility, and affective experiences–posing increasing challenges to shifting demographics of Europe, particularly vulnerable groups and individuals that include (but not limited to) ageing populations, lonely youth, and migrant ethnic[1] [u2] ities.

As sites of diverse interactions and pressures, European cities are increasingly called upon to enact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by local and global agendas in efforts to adapt settlements and transform approaches towards inclusive, safe, and resilient human-environment engagements. These include enhancing the capacity of public spaces to facilitate good health and wellbeing (SDG 3)and contribute to sustainable communities and cities (SDG 11).Creating and/or optimising spaces that accommodate care tasks and foster mental and physical wellbeing in public space —including sidewalks, squares or public transportation stops— has become particularly important for improving the life quality of more vulnerable social groups whose needs are often overlooked in urban planning.

By focusing on the intersection of care, accessibility, sustainable development, and affective experiences, this panel will explore how urban design can support the well-being of diverse populations in cities undergoing demographic and environmental transformations. We welcome papers that address (but are not limited by) the following research themes and questions through theoretical and methodological reflections and empirical case studies.

• Affective Experiences and Well-Being in Urban Spaces: How do the everyday lived experiences of built environments influence mental and physical well-being, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and caregivers whose needs are often overlooked in urban planning? What role do material and sensory design elements (e.g., soundscapes, greenery) in urban spaces play in shaping affective experiences for positive well-being?
• Public Space Accessibility and Care Responsibilities: How are European public spaces being adapted to accommodate the needs of an ageing population and those who provide care? What urban design interventions ensure that spaces are easily accessible, safe, and facilitate the mobility of caregivers and -receivers? Which new approaches to urban planning and design can support both individual autonomy and collective care?
• Urban Design for Mental and Physical Health: How can urban planning and design directly contribute to the overall mental and physical health of inhabitants? What role do aesthetic experiences, such as the presence of architectural heritage sites play in fostering healthier urban environments? How can the design of public spaces provide relief from urban stressors, encouraging restorative experiences that promote both physical activity and mental well-being?