Future of Cities

Episode 4 of the “Future of Cities” Podcast by Kanishka Rathore on 'Slum Upgrading and the Future of Cities' with Anaclaudia Rossbach, celine d'cruz and Sameh Wahba Informal Settlements or Slums, be it in the barrio, tugurio, favela, bidonville, gecekondu or kampung, supports the majority of rapidly urbanizing populations in cities globally. Listen to this episode to understand why slum upgrading is important for our urban future! If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to rate, share and subscribe. #futureofcities #slumupgrading #focglobal

Creativity, art and culture have a great potential for effectively tackling urban & environmental challenges and in supporting liveability. From ‘holograms you can touch' in new and discarded plastics, to sculptures in pollution absorbing ceramics and cyanotype blueprints, Jasmine brings together her background as physicist, artist, public speaker and innovator, to address the diminishing air quality and unsustainable practices in our rapidly urbanizing world. I discussed with Dr Jasmine Pradissitto about her background & vision, and on how Jasmine is using art as a medium to address diminishing air quality and biodiversity in our urban areas. Announcement: Installation of 'Breathe' a sculpture by Jasmine in Noxtek in Euston above the Camden People's Theatre on 15 June 2021. Do check it out if you are in London! More information on Jasmine's work can be found at: www.pradissitto.com

Children are often under-prioritized or even disregarded in urban planning and design. The coronavirus pandemic has further highlighted the urgent need for safe outdoor areas for children. I discussed the importance of building ‘Child-friendly cities', and how Tirana is integrating the special needs of young people in its urban spaces – with Anuela Ristani, Deputy Mayor of Tirana.

Integrating nature into mainstream urban infrastructure systems can produce lower cost and more resilient urban services. I discussed the importance of adopting Nature-based Solutions in cities, including some of the barriers and opportunities, with Sameh Wahba, Global Director for the World Bank's Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience and Land Global Practice.