Futures of cities : 51st IFHP world congress

Dublin Core

The year 2007 marks a shift to an urban era, an era in which more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. This fact is making many headlines. But what are its implications? How will this impact the futures of cities? Over a century ago, the Danish journalist and photographer Jacob A. Riis gave us How the Other Half Lives, shedding light on the plight oftenement dwellers — people who had moved to the city in search of a better life. Today, we again need to address how this urban half lives.

How are we to plan, build, budget, negotiate, develop, promote, govern, service, use, embrace and secure a myriad of different sustainable urban futures? We now call upon policy-makers, practitioners and researchers from the public, private and academic sectors to share their predictions and proposals for the futures of cities!

As our urban numbers increase, so do the questions: What are the impacts? On the cityscape, on the countryside, on the built environment,on where we work, where you live, and where Peter plays?

What are the indicators? Recent findings, current trends! Hard facts, future figures! What is the measure of urban quality, of adequate housing? What are current construction rates? What are theforecasts for 2030?

What implementations are being made? What is being done to tackle rising urbanization? What policies, plans, and programs are being enacted? Who is doing it, and how are things getting done?