The Academy of Urbanism (AoU)’s Post

🌐 We are excited to celebrate World Architecture Day 2024 with its extremely relevant theme: Empowering the next generation to participate in urban design. This theme highlights the critical role young architects play in reimagining the cities of the future – a mission that aligns perfectly with our own goals of fostering responsible and collaborative urban citizenship in the context of a complex and emergent African urbanism. This year, the focus on energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable materials, and urban mobility resonates deeply with our work at the UUC, where we promote sustainable urban transformations through innovative, community-driven solutions. Preparing the next generation to meet urban challenges is not only about education; it’s about meaningful engagement with communities, grounded in real-world impact. 💡 Our commitment to transdisciplinary research and evidence-based interventions supports the creation of greener, more sustainable cities. We believe that through partnerships, community engagement, and empowering young professionals, we can contribute to revitalising urban spaces and improving the quality of life for all. As we celebrate the bold and transformative architectural solutions of young talent around the world, we also reaffirm our dedication to supporting the socio-spatial transformation of African cities and beyond. Image credit: International Union of Architects (UIA) #WorldArchitectureDay #SustainableCities #NextGenArchitects #UrbanTransformation #UnitForUrbanCitizenship #UPCommunity #SustainableArchitecture #UrbanDesign #ArchitectureForChange

🌍 Happy World Architecture Day in Advance! 🏙️ This year’s theme, "Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design" underscores the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of our cities. As we continue to tackle urban challenges like affordable housing, pollution, and inequality, the voices of the next generation are more important than ever. From leveraging cutting-edge technology to advocating for greener, more equitable spaces, young urban thinkers are leading the way in creating cities that are built for the future. Now is the time for us to provide the platforms, mentorship, and opportunities they need to actively participate in shaping the environments where we all live, work, and grow. Let’s champion participatory urban design, foster innovation, and work together to build cities that reflect the diverse needs of all their inhabitants. 🌿🏛️ IFASA OAU | UIA - International Union of Architects #WorldArchitectureDay #UrbanPlanning #NextGenDesign #Sustainability #InclusiveCities #YouthEmpowerment #FutureCities

Rebuilding Urban Complexity by Francesca Froy is a must-read for anyone passionate about the future of urban spaces. This book provides an innovative approach to reconfiguring our cities, ensuring they thrive in a postindustrial world. Since spaces that are emerged from post-industrial processes which I call them as waste spaces in my dissertation pave significant commons for reactiving public spaces and this book provides great insights about this reclaimed spaces. A great addition for urban planners, designers, and policymakers. Check it out! Greatly suggested.

Jianying Liao and Dr. Samuel Cai from the University of Leicester explore sustainable solutions to mitigate heatwave impacts in urban environments. Their insights offer practical approaches to create cooler, more resilient cities. Key Points: Urban Planning: Integrating green spaces and reflective materials in city planning to reduce urban heat island effects. Innovative Architecture: Designing buildings with passive cooling techniques and sustainable materials to minimize heat absorption. Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement in implementing and maintaining sustainable cooling solutions. By adopting these sustainable practices, urban areas can better withstand extreme heat and protect their residents. #HeatwavePrevention #SustainableUrbanPlanning #ResilientCities #AIDMI #ClimateAction

As we celebrate World Architecture Day 2024 with the theme of Empowering the next generation to participate in urban design, I cannot help but reflect on my motivation behind my PhD research on Complex Urban Integration. My research explores how architects can address the socio-spatial integration of migrants, tackling some of the most pressing challenges our cities face today. Architecture isn’t just about designing buildings—it’s about shaping cities that are sustainable, inclusive, and equitable. Through my research, I aim to contribute to the knowledge that helps marginalised communities find their place in urban environments, ensuring our future cities are designed for everyone. #WorldArchitectureDay #UrbanIntegration #PhDResearch #InclusiveCities #SustainableArchitecture #ArchitectsForChange

Being part of ABE means working within a collaborative environment where multiple disciplines intersect. Bec Mac interviewed one of our esteemed educators and researchers in Architecture and Urban Planning, Associate Professor Dr Mirko Guaralda. “My work in sustainable urban design and urban morphology supports the creation of adaptable, resilient cities. By building on a people-centred approach and leveraging new tools like AI, I promote environments that balance density with liveability, fostering spaces where people form lasting connections with their surroundings. My aim is to redefine city-making by bridging adaptability, resistance, sustainability, and human engagement in response to today’s evolving urban challenges.” — Mirko QUT School of Architecture and the Built Environment is the school for influential city-makers with real world impact. Get in contact to hear more about our practical and investment-ready industry focused programs here: https://lnkd.in/g69x2PSB You can listen to Mirko’s full conversation with Bec on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gVYFGcAf #QUTArchitecture #QUTBuiltEnvironment #CityMakers #architecture #urbanplanning #design Patrick Silvey

What if the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) wasn’t just determined by the size of a plot but also by its environmental and social implications? Should urban parameters like FAR be shaped by their broader environmental and social impact? Through the collaboration between IE Center for Sustainable Cities, (IE School of Architecture and Design) and Serviland, we have explored these critical questions in our report: “Analysis, Evaluation, and Implementation of Sustainable Urban Strategies for New Urban Developments.” The report outlines a framework of transversal sustainable strategies that integrate environmental and social parameters, emphasizing their interconnections. We urge public administrations to adopt Transversal Urban Regulations that foster innovative urban developments, where environmental balance and social well-being are at the core of the planning process. By redefining the codes, we can ensure the creation of healthier and more sustainable urban environments. https://lnkd.in/du-9RHfK IE School of Architecture and Design Ruxandra I. Ernesto Tarazona Cristina Mateo Rebollo, Ph.D Goldsmiths College Sergio Luna Benítez Simona Rota Constanza Aguado del Hoyo

KRVIA Postgraduate Program Shares Key Highlights from the Conference The International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Built Environment, and Southern Urbanism hosted insightful discussions and presentations by various experts. The keynote lectures were impactful, addressing critical issues of sustainability, urbanism, and global challenges. We share this short video that encapsulates the key note speeches of the conference. We look forward to engaging with these perspectives and continuing the dialogue on advancing sustainable and inclusive practices in the built environment. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Deloitte Vikash Chandra Prof. Saswat Bandyopadhyay CEPT University Ulysses Sengupta Manchester University UCL The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL #Sustainability #UrbanStudies #KeynoteLectures #SDGsConference #KRVIA #SouthernUrbanism #BuiltEnvironment #GlobalChallenges #InclusiveDesign #FutureCities #UrbanSustainability #EnvironmentalJustice #communityengagement

To understand what is Urbanitarian about, first let us explain Urban Design:

This issue centers on #architecture education, urban #resilience, and #smart city initiatives, offering a deep dive into the educational approaches driving #urban transformation in #Africa. It opens with a special feature on the role of architecture and urban #planning in fostering inclusive development. In-depth #interviews with leading architects and urban planners reveal visions for the future of African #cities, where public spaces, resilient infrastructure, and socio-economic #inclusion are prioritized. This edition also examines how #cultural and religious heritage influence architecture and urban planning, aiming to balance modern needs with #traditional values. By incorporating diverse perspectives, this edition underscores Africa’s innovative potential in redefining urban #landscapes. https://lnkd.in/epMTA8Ky