Issues which the lecture addresses

Since the start of the 21st century, humanity has been a predominantly urban species. This presentation is about the future of cities and how urbanization will develop when based on principles of sustainability. It explores the underlying dimensions of the transformation of existing cities towards resilience, the design of low carbon green precincts and their urban systems.  Keywords: High-performance low carbon precincts; integration of low-carbon technologies; complex urban systems; resilient communities; sustainable consumption; urban microclimates. The compact, mixed-use and walkable city model is presented as the most promising urbanization type.

The lecture introduces the principles of Green Urbanism and two ongoing research projects:

(1) Urban microclimates: How to keep cities cool;

(2) Low impact construction using prefabricated engineered timber systems.

Therefore, crucial to the success of city transformation will be interdisciplinary collaboration between experts and stakeholders; and the integration of technologies into the social and behavioral context.

Propositions for addressing the issue:

Steffen Lehmann introduces three fundamental propositions as the underpinning theoretical position of his understanding of cities and their transformation potential: 1.    The compact mixed-use walkable city model: there is no need to reinvent the city; much of it is about learning from the traditional existing European city type combined with the Green Urbanism principles. 2.    Public space and density: the public space network and its connectivity is crucial; increasing compactness requires also more green space and new mobility programming of public space. 3.    The new urban agenda: better urbanization models/integrated approaches are required that establish clear growth boundaries, protecting precious greenfields, forests, agricultural land, limiting urban sprawl.