City-shaping in an age of uncertainty

Abstract:

For much of the twentieth century, thinking about cities was shaped by an underlying optimism: cities would continue to grow, modernize and support economic and social progress. That assumption is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. Population decline and ageing, geopolitical conflict, insecurity, fiscal stress, climate extremes and rapid technological change are reshaping urban trajectories in profoundly different ways across the world.

This symposium approaches these uncertainties through the tradition of the “learned traveller”. Bringing together internationally experienced scholars from geography, regional science, urban studies, engineering and planning, the event draws on first-hand observations from different parts of the world to ask a fundamental question: Has the way we locate, build and govern our habitats already started to fundamentally change? Through short presentations, panel discussion and open exchange, the symposium will explore emerging signs of urban transformation and what they may tell us about the future of cities.

Speakers

Professor Gu Chaolin

Tsinghua University, China

Renowned urban geographer and planner studying urbanization and urban systems, with field observations worldwide over the past three years, excluding the Middle East.

Professor Eric Heikkila

University of Southern California, USA

Regional scientist examining global urbanization and urban development, with perspectives shaped by extensive international experience and research across different world regions.

Professor Chris Webster

The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR

Speaker and Moderator

Urban scientist studying the evolution of urban systems, spatial economics and city-shaping processes, with a particular focus on East Asia.

Professor Yuguo Li

The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR

Thermodynamic engineer exploring future urban environments and the role of large-scale climate-controlled urban systems in supporting human habitation.

Dr. Christine Mady

Aalto University, Finland

Architect and urban planner researching public spaces in relation to instability, everyday life, spatial justice, and resilience.