Festival of Urbanism 2021 to deliver free online event with theme of ‘Endangered Urbanism’

The annual Festival of Urbanism 2021, now in its eighth year, will be discussing issues including the global pandemic, social division, economic turmoil, housing shocks and the climate crisis in a series of free, online events around the theme ‘Endangered Urbanism’, from 13th-24th September.

The above issues are just some of the threats facing our urban environments with the Festival addressing the question “how can cities adapt and transition from these crises?”

Professor Carl Grodach, Director, Urban Planning and Design at Monash University notes "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.

“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 adds “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”.

All events are free and designed for a wide audience from planners and architects to policy makers, community advocates, students and anyone with an interest in cities, regions, or urban life.

In line with COVID-19 health advice, all University of Sydney events will be live-streamed online. Monash University is planning a mix online and of hybrid events, pending restrictions.

Find out more at festivalofurbanism.com.