The global pandemic, social division, economic turmoil, housing shocks and the climate crisis are just some of the threats facing our urban environments. But how can cities adapt and transition from these crises?
The annual Festival of Urbanism 2021, now in its eighth year, will be discussing these issues in a series of free, online events around the theme 'Endangered Urbanism', from 13-24 September.
"The 2021 Festival of Urbanism is a public forum to discuss, share and learn about current urban challenges and future solutions that affect us all," says Professor Carl Grodach, Director, Urban Planning and Design at Monash University.
"We've teamed up with the University of Sydney around the theme of 'Endangered Urbanism' because it reflects the deep need to develop inclusive and creative solutions to myriad interconnected issues that include but go beyond COVID-19. How will our cities and towns - and our urban practitioners - adapt to the profound challenges we face in the coming decades?"
Professor Grodach will convene a special extended panel event, Endangered Urban Spaces, which will encompass the growing focus on 20-minute neighbourhoods, the role and future of industrial zones and the hidden infrastructure of wild cities.
The festival is presented by Henry Halloran Trust in partnership with Urban Planning and Design at Monash Art, Design and Architecture (Monash ADA) and hosts experts in Melbourne, Sydney and beyond for a mostly online program.
Professor Nicole Gurran, Director of the Henry Halloran Trust, says: "This year's festival comes at a time when urban and regional communities are facing multiple crises. Our program tackles some of the big questions about how we govern our cities and plan for sustainable and just transitions".
