Asseel Al-Ragam, vice dean for academic affairs, research and graduate studies at the College of Architecture of Kuwait University, speaks at a symposium themed "Happiness in the city" in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Oct.14, 2019. Kuwait held a symposium on Monday in the capital Kuwait City in a bid to explore ways to better promote happiness and wellbeing of city life. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
KUWAIT CITY, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait held a symposium on Monday in the capital Kuwait City in a bid to explore ways to better promote happiness and wellbeing of city life.
The event, themed "Happiness in the city," was organized by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) in collaboration with the British Department for International Trade (DIT), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the College of Architecture at Kuwait University.
The symposium focused on ensuring that cities are designed effectively, increasing the quality of life, and ensuring the welfare of the environment, people and the country, KFAS Director-General Adnan Shihab-Eldin said at the symposium.
"Our meeting focused on developing collaborative efforts to inspire youth and encourage partnerships and creative thinking to enhance our living environment," he noted.
British Ambassador to Kuwait Michael Hayward Davenport highlighted the importance of architecture and design to the way of life, saying the built environment has impact not only on productivity but also on creativity and happiness.
"We now have to shape our urban environment to meet the new aspirations and expectations of citizens in the 21st century," he said.
Asseel Al-Ragam, vice dean for academic affairs, research and graduate studies at the College of Architecture of Kuwait University, said urban planners and architects have looked at the social aspects of spaces in order to avoid loneliness and improve the quality of life.
Many architectural and urban design elements can be employed to create a happy city and familiarity among its residents in public places, including site coordination, landscaping and many other innovations, she explained.
The one-day event includes a series of round table discussions, workshops, seminars and an exhibition, which offered opportunities for delegates to engage with the wider design community.
