During the Sustainable City Challenge, over 100 students from Utrecht collaborated with partners to develop solutions for Healthy Urban Living in newly built districts such as Cartesius, Overvecht, Science Park, and Utrecht Oost. The winning idea for Cartesius drew inspiration from the Blue Zones, emphasizing community as a core value of the Cartesius Concept. Recognizing that the environment people live in plays a crucial role in health, well-being, and happiness, the students focused on creating spaces that foster connection, relaxation, and belonging.

Five student teams explored how community spaces in Cartesius could be designed and programmed to encourage rest, meaning, and social interaction. 

The winning team developed the concept LIV. Cartesius, a vision for activating community spaces as hubs for gathering, relaxation, and intergenerational connection. Not only did this team win the best idea for Cartesius, but they also took home the audience award of the Sustainable City Challenge.

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