élhelyközpontú

élhelyközpontú is a Hungarian term used to describe an approach in urban planning, architecture, and social policy that centers on the living place and its local context. The word combines élhely (living place or habitat) with központú (centered on).

The concept prescribes that decisions should be guided by local conditions, needs, and identities rather than abstract, top-down templates. It emphasizes place-based knowledge, participatory planning, accessibility, and sustainability, with a focus on livability, local services, and proximity.

In practice, élhelyközpontú planning may lead to mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, strong public spaces, preservation of local character, and efficient use of local resources. It often involves community engagement, data gathering at the district level, and design that responds to climate, culture, and history.

Critics warn that overemphasis on place can hinder scalable solutions or slow decision-making, and that successful implementation requires local capacity and intersectoral collaboration. The term is related to, and sometimes used interchangeably with, place-based or community-centered planning.