We are guided by the simple but powerful idea that if everything we do in our cities is great for an 8 year old and an 80 year old, then it will be better for all people.
Our Vision
Healthy, happy, and sustainable cities for people to grow up and grow old in; where all people have the right to safe and active mobility, welcoming and accessible public spaces, and inclusive city-building processes.
Our Mission
To ignite action and challenge the status quo to create healthier, more equitable, and sustainable cities for all people.
8 80 Cities: 20 years of Creating Cities for All
Imagine your own street, neighbourhood, or favourite park. What would it look and feel like if everything there was designed to be great for an eight-year-old and an eighty-year-old?
This isn’t just a question for planners or politicians—it’s an invitation for you to picture a city where everyone, including you and your loved ones, can thrive.
Twenty years ago, this simple but powerful question became the foundation of 8 80 Cities.
Gil (Guillermo) Peñalosa started the organization in 2005 because he believed cities should be places where people of all ages and abilities can thrive, not just for those who are “30 and athletic”. Back then, and for too long, cities prioritized cars over people. This meant children had less freedom, older adults felt more alone, and public spaces felt less welcoming.
While Gil was travelling and giving talks about the ‘8 80 concept’ and ways to make better cities for everyone, the need to turn these ideas into real change became increasingly clear, both in Canada and around the world.
Since then, the organization has grown into a multidisciplinary team that continues to advance our mission. Our network has also expanded, becoming one of our strongest assets as we leverage the relationships we nurture.
By focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable people, 8 80 Cities’ approach to designing and planning better streets and public spaces challenges the usual ways cities are built. Our work puts people and planetary health at the center.
As we celebrate 20 years, our commitment remains the same as it was in 2006: to help create cities where everyone, no matter their age, ability, or background, has the right to the city. A right to move safely and comfortably, a right to enjoy a vibrant public realm, and a right to participate in the life of the city. We invite you to join us in co-creating the future of our cities—share your ideas, get involved in our programs, and help us shape the next 20 years of creating 8 80 cities.
