EBRD Housing Forum 2026
Design International joined architects, urbanists, policymakers, and financial leaders at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Housing Forum in London, where the urgent need for sustainable, affordable, and inclusive housing took centre stage. The event brought together voices from across the built environment to explore how design-led approaches can meaningfully shape the future of homes and neighbourhoods throughout Europe and beyond.
As cities evolve under mounting demographic, economic and environmental pressures, the challenge of delivering quality housing that is both accessible and resilient has become a defining concern for communities and institutions alike. The EBRD Housing Forum provided a platform to reflect on these challenges, and to share practical insights and collaborative strategies for responding to them.
Our CEO, Davide Padoa, took part in a design roundtable titled Architecture for Inclusion: Building Affordability into Communities, alongside Ivana Katuric and Ute Schneider. The discussion explored how design innovation, sustainability, and community engagement can unlock more accessible and dignified homes.
Drawing on Design International’s global experience across mixed-use, residential and urban projects, he outlined how design frameworks that prioritise context, connectivity and long-term adaptability can support housing models that feel authentic and enduring. In his remarks, Davide emphasised that the role of architecture and urban design extends beyond individual buildings: it is about creating places where people can lead full, connected lives.
“I am grateful for having been included by Vlaho Kojakovic and his team in the EBRD Housing Forum 2026 - both as speaker and listener - and thankful to the team at ENTRALON Real Estate Club and its forceful leader Svetlana Fedosova for the impeccable organisation. Urban regeneration, social infrastructure, housing affordability, inclusive planning and architecture, capital markets opportunities in CEE and MENA, public-private projects, blockchain and the process of democratisation in real estate were all topics discussed, analysed, and shared.” said Davide.
