Rotterdam (the Netherlands) has won the title of the Best City in Europe at this month’s Urbanism Awards, chosen by the Academy of Urbanism. The ICLEI member overcame strong competition from Turin (Italy) and Aarhus (Denmark), the two other finalist cities, to claim the 2015 crown. The award is one of five given out annually by the Academy to recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments. Each award covers a number of social, economic and environmental factors, including good governance and commercial success.

Chair of the Academy of Urbanism, Steven Bee, said: “The City [of Rotterdam] has a predominantly young, open, tolerant community that is embracing innovative architecture and urban design, and new business models.” Rotterdam is a dynamic harbour city running innovative large-scale urban farming projects, and is home to over 140,000 m2 of green roof development.

This year, the Academy said the emergence of collaboration was a common thread amongst the winning cities, towns, neighbourhoods and streets. Stephen Gallagher, communications manager at the Academy, added: “These places are creating partnerships and working together so that they can compete at a higher level, attract investment and retain people.” Previous winners and finalists include ICLEI members Dublin (Ireland), Hamburg (Germany), Malmo (Sweden), Glasgow (United Kingdom) and Oslo (Norway).

For more information, visit the Academy of Urbanism website.