Álvaro Valera Sosa was born in Venezuela, but spent some of his childhood living with family in the U.S.A. He attended international schools in Caracas, where he later studied architecture and construction management. After his first job in Caracas, he travelled to visit school friends in Europe and discovered Berlin. His vision to combine health and architecture got him accepted to study at the Charité Medical University of Berlin. Since 2011, he has been an Evidence-based Design Researcher at the Technische Universität Berlin’s Architecture for Health department and is also a Research Vocal for the European Network Architecture for Health. Additionally, he is an Organization Manager for a new company, BHL Building Health Lab.
In Groningen Álvaro will give a talk about the importance of a pedestrian-friendly city and healthy neighborhoods. In a city which celebrates itself as a cycling capital, inviting people to get on their feet is a challenge, but the city council is determined on becoming more walkable. How do we make sure our sidewalks are barrier free spaces for pedestrians, both in the city center and in our neighborhoods and how do we create attractive walking routes from A to B? Álvaro Valera Sosa is your guide!