Lisette van Doorn: Rethinking Real Estate for Better Cities

Lisette van Doorn, Former Chief Executive at Urban Land Institute Europe, joins The Century of Cities to explore how real estate has shifted from a local, owner-led activity to a global, highly financialized industry, and what that means for cities. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, she reflects on how global capital and new investment models have reshaped the built environment, unlocking growth while also creating distance between financial value and lived experience. Lisette argues for a rebalancing, where buildings are seen not only as assets, but as the environments that shape daily life. As cities face climate risk, economic uncertainty, and rising complexity, she emphasizes the need for long-term thinking, better alignment between stakeholders, and a more holistic approach to value. Her message is clear: stronger collaboration and a shift beyond short-term returns are essential to building more resilient, inclusive cities.