WTF for Cities? is a platform to introduce and connect people who are actively and consciously working on the future of cities and to introduce research about the future of cities.
Are you interested in urban expansion shifts across 3 decades? Summary of the article titled Global urban structure growth shows a profound shift from spreading out to building up from 2024, by Steve Frolking, Richa Mahtta, Tom Milliman, Thomas Esch, and Karen C. Seto, published in the Nature Cities journal. This is a great preparation to our next interview with Keller Easterling in episode 342 talking about spatial politics and urban infrastructure.Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see global urban structural growth across time and its implications. This article introduces the shift from horizontal to vertical expansion and its effects on resource use, climate and urban living.Find the article through this link.Abstract: We present a new study examining the dynamics of global urban building growth rates over the past three decades. By combining datasets for 1,550+ cities from several space-borne sensors—data from three scatterometers and settlement-built fraction based on Landsat-derived data—we find profound shifts in how cities expanded from the 1990s to the 2010s. Cities had both increasing building fractional cover and increasing microwave backscatter (correlating with building volume), but over the three decades, growth rates in building fraction decreased in most regions and large cities, while growth rates in backscatter increased in essentially all regions and cities. The divergence in rates of increase of these metrics indicates a shift from lateral urban expansion to more vertical urban development. This transition has happened in different decades and to different extents across the world's cities. Growth rate increases were largest in Asian cities. This shift toward vertical development has profound consequences for material and energy use, local climate and urban living.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.205R - Role of urban planning standards in improving lifestyle in a sustainable systemNo.289R - A fresh look at contemporary perspectives on urban housing affordabilityYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in spatial language? What do you think about the ever present urbanism concept? How can we leverage space as an opportunity? Interview with Keller Easterling, an architect, writer, and the Enid Storm Dwyer Professor of Architecture at Yale University. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, solidarity and collaboration, spatial language, democracy, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in how empowered children can change the future of cities? What do you think about the Taking Children Seriously approach? How can we bring up the next generation in the learning machine, also known as the city? Interview with Aaron Stupple, physician and author of The Sovereign Child, and Logan Chipkin, president of Conjecture Institute and junior author of The Sovereign Child. We talk about their vision for the future of cities, city as a learning machine, children's opportunities to network, protests, and many more. Aaron Stupple is a practicing physician and father of five in Western Massachusetts. He has been promoting critical rationalism and the work of Karl Popper and David Deutsch since 2019 in the form of online community building, a web magazine, and Rat Fest, the annual in-person conference in Philadelphia. He currently explores novel telehealth solutions and champions non-coercive parenting inspired by Popper and Deutsch's philosophy.Logan Chipkin, president of Conjecture Institute, is a Philadelphia-based writer and editor passionate about economics, physics, philosophy, and history. He creates educational content for a Bitcoin startup and develops innovative science funding methods. As Managing Editor of a liberty-focused nonprofit, he's published in Physics World, Gizmodo, Bitcoin Magazine, and more, and authored the fantasy novel Windfall. He collaborates with physicists, edits science works, hosts Rat Fest, and co-founded Conjecture Institute.The Sovereign Child, a book authored by Aaron Stupple and edited and junior authored by Logan Chipkin, advocates for the Taking Children Seriously philosophy, asserting that children, like adults, should have the freedom to make their own choices without parental limits, as their reasoning and emotions function similarly. Drawing from his experience as a father of five, Aaron critiques the harms of rule enforcement and explores surprising alternatives that prioritize respecting children's reasons as equally valid.Find out more about Aaron, Logan, and The Sovereign Child through these links:Aaron Stupple on LinkedIn@astupple as Aaron Stupple on XAaron Stupple on the Tim Ferriss ShowLogan Chipkin on LinkedInLogan Chipkin's website@ChipkinLogan as Logan Chipkin on XLogan Chipkin on YoutubeThe Sovereign Child - book by Aaron Stupple and Logan ChipkinTaking Children Seriously websiteThe Conjecture Institute websiteConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.114 - Interview with Kelly Boucher about involving the small childrenNo.268 - Interview with Tiff Williams about children giving feedback on their environmentNo.294 - Interview with Erick A. Brimen about creating a new city with the minimum role of governmentNo.339R - The Sovereign ChildWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in bringing up the next generation as sovereign individuals for better urban futures? Summary of the book titled The Sovereign Child: A Radically Noncoercive Approach to Parenting from 2025, by Aaron Stupple.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Aaron Stupple and Logan Chipkin in episode 340 talking about the challenges and opportunities for the next generation in creating the future of cities. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how we can nurture the next generation of thinkers and city-influencers. This book presents a radically noncoercive parenting approach based on Karl Popper and David Deutsch's ideas to create win-win scenarios and foster the children's knowledge acquisition.Find the book through this link.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.114 - Interview with Kelly Boucher about involving the next generation in educationNo.268 - Interview with Tiff Williams about kids expressing their opinions about their environmentsNo.337R - Child-Friendly Cities and Communities: opportunities andchallengesNo.338 - Interview with Alison Watson about involving the next generation into the built environmentYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in how empowered children can change the future of cities? What do you think about the Taking Children Seriously approach? How can we bring up the next generation in the learning machine, also known as the city? Trailer for episode 340 - interview with Aaron Stupple, physician and author of The Sovereign Child, and Logan Chipkin, president of Conjecture Institute and junior author of The Sovereign Child. We talk about their vision for the future of cities, city as a learning machine, children's opportunities to network, protests, and many more. Find out more in the episode. Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"The future of cities will be delivered by that 8-year old. Because that 8-year old is soon 18 and then 28."Are you interested in involving the next generation into the building industry? What do you think about the knowledge and behaviour shortage? How can we encourage real partnerships between schools and the industry? Interview with Alison Watson, Founder and Chief Executive of Class Of Your Own. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, the next generation, education as increasing confidence and resilience, and many more. Alison Watson MBE is the Founder and Chief Executive of Class Of Your Own (COYO), a social enterprise revolutionizing education in the built environment sector. Starting her industry life as a land surveyor, Alison's industry expertise has fuelled her passion for the past 16 years to educate the next generation in surveying, architecture, engineering, and construction. Through COYO's Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) curriculum, she has empowered thousands of students and teachers globally with innovative STEM programs, work experience, and accredited qualifications via TQUK. Honored with an MBE, an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot Watt University, and an Honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, Alison now serves as the CICES President (2024-5), championing “Make Space for Education.”Find out more about Alison through these links:Alison Watson on LinkedInAlison Watson on XAlison Watson on InstagramClass of Your Own websiteClass of Your Own on LinkedIn@ClassofYourOwn as Class of Your Own on XClass of Your Own on InstagramDesign Engineer Construct (DEC) websiteDesign Engineer Construct (DEC) on YouTubeConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.114 - Interview with Kelly Boucher about involving kids intro the built environmentNo.268 - Interview with Tiff Williams about kids discussing their environmentsNo.337R - Child-Friendly Cities and Communities: opportunities and challengesNo.340 - Interview with Aaron Stupple and Logan Chipkin about bringing up the next generation in a non-coercive wayWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the concept of child-friendly cities? Our summary today works with the article titled Child-friendly cities and communities: opportunities and challenges from 2024, by Rhian Powell, published in the Children's Geographies journal.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Alison Watson in episode 338 talking about the need to include the next generation when we talk about the built environment. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see what child-friendly cities and communities can mean. This article explores the challenges and opportunities in planning and creating child-friendly cities through interviews with practitioners.Find the article through this link.Abstract: With greater numbers of children living in urban areas, increasing attention is being paid to Child-Friendly Cities (CFCs) and their potential for transforming local government decision-making to be more inclusive of the needs and interests of children. This paper draws on interviews with CFC practitioners at both local and national levels in 9 cities across 7 countries, to explore the opportunities and challenges that arise in planning and actualising CFC programmes. The data show CFCs can reshape local government decision-making processes, allowing for greater opportunities for children's civic participation, through greater parity of children's interests and voices. However, CFC practitioners also encounter challenges related to uncertain conceptualisations of what makes a city ‘child-friendly', complex governance structures, lack of political will from external partners and intergenerational tensions. In addition, age-based fragmentation has the potential to further marginalise the interests of children and young people in key policy areas.Connected episodes you might be interested in:No.113R - Radical Collabration: flipping the paradigm on learningNo.114 - Interview with Kelly Boucher about involving kids into the futureYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in involving the next generation into the building industry? What do you think about the knowledge and behaviour shortage? How can we encourage real partnerships between schools and the industry? Trailer for episode 338 - interview with Alison Watson, Founder and Chief Executive of Class Of Your Own. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, the next generation, education as increasing confidence and resilience, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"We don't have to go back to business-as-usual [approaches] just because that's how we did it 20 years ago. That's not what we have to do now."Are you interested in urban evolution? What do you think about the city as a producer instead of consumer? How can we investigate unintended consequences of urban transformations? Interview with Jon Mills, Director at Urbis. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, urban evolution, transformative forces, unintended consequences, and many more. Jon Mills is an environmental planner and project manager with more than 20 years' experience in Australia and the UK. Jon's predominate experience is in leading teams to assist clients through project positioning and approvals processes for large infrastructure projects particularly within energy and communications sectors with a focus on Renewable Energy, Digital Infrastructure and sustainability planning policy and advice. Jon's work in these areas includes leading statutory planning and environmental approvals strategic papers and policy work for all levels of government and NGO's as well as providing, planning and strategic advice. This includes Environmental planning strategies, built environment sustainability advice (particularly in energy transition) and strategies, policy and advice around digital infrastructure and integration of technology into the cities and regions. Currently Jon is advocating for energy transition to be inclusive of nature positive solutions and for this and other sustainability initiatives to be considered in the planning process. Jon is also part of the Urbis team working with NBN to develop the nationally significant and industry-leading prospectus: 'Accelerating Smarter Development for Australia'.Find out more about Jon through these links:Jon Mills on LinkedInJon Mills on the Urbis websiteUrbis websiteUrbis on LinkedIn@UrbisAustralia as Urbis on X@urbis_au as Urbis on InstagramConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.314 - Interview with Andrew Vass about nuclear powerNo.324 - Interview with Fin Moorhouse about unintended consequencesNo.335R - A framework for exploring futures of complex urban energy systemsNo.344 - Interview with Mark Coates about infrastructureYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the energy transformation and its effects on cities?Summary of the article titled A framework for exploring futures of complex urban energy systems from 2023, by Sumedha Basu and Catherine S. E. Bale, published in the Frontiers in Climate journal.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Jon Mills in episode 336 talking about energy transitions as one of the driving forces behind urban change. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how we could rethink our energy systems for better urban futures. This article recognises current urban energy systems as intricate and interconnected entities with many potential futures.Find the article through this link.Abstract: In order to address the climate crisis and provide citizens with clean, secure and affordable energy, urban energy systems need to transition. This is significant as urban energy systems are increasingly seen as complex systems for their close interactions with local urban society, while being interdependent with higher levels of governance. Decisions taken today will continue to influence the inhabitants of our cities for well over 50 years, locking in energy consumption patterns of the future. How, then, do we make decisions on the interventions needed to bring about a desirable future, and prepare for the probable and possible futures? In this paper, we consider the key characteristics of urban energy systems from a complexity science perspective in order to explore what methodologies in futures and foresight scholarship could be beneficial in supporting urban energy decision-making. To do this we have undertaken an integrative review—a method that allows review, synthesis, critique, and analysis of new and emerging topics across multiple disciplines and multiple literature types—and consider the findings in light of their usefulness in understanding complex systems, which are inherently uncertain. We consider how futures and foresight theories and methods can be applied in urban and energy studies, highlighting examples of where around the world these have been applied by organizations seeking to shape transitions. The many methods and approaches that exist under the futures' umbrella have not been applied to anywhere near their full potential in urban energy studies, despite the limitations of many of the planning and modeling exercises currently used. We use key learnings from existing futures and foresight scholarship, along with our understanding of urban energy systems as complex adaptive systems, to propose a theoretical and practical framework for exploring their futures. The framework encompasses concepts of futures, contextualization, mapping uncertainty, participatory processes, and futures governance. Although there is much further research work needed to test and operationalize this framework in an applied way with city stakeholders, we hope this charts a way forward in addressing the critical challenges faced by urban energy planners and their partners.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.222 - Interview with Adam Dorr about energy transformationYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in urban evolution? What do you think about the city as a producer instead of consumer? How can we investigate unintended consequences of urban transformations? Interview with Jon Mills, Director at Urbis. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, urban evolution, transformative forces, unintended consequences, and many more.Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"[Cities] are part of the solution. They shouldn't be part of the problem."Are you interested in design and placemaking as creating the city? What do you think about changing our behaviour for better urban futures? How can we learn from the past but not being shackled by it? Interview with James Mant, CEO of Spero AI. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, AI for planners, placemaking, data in planning, and many more. James Mant supports practitioners in designing walkable, well-planned spaces that align with government objectives, streamline processes, and cut costs. He spearheaded the 2020 PIA award-winning #20minuteneighbourhood policy and #FutureHomes program for the Victorian Government, demonstrating his skill in crafting healthy, compact places with timeless design. Having worked on Plan Melbourne 2017-2050, Melbourne's metropolitan strategy, he offers expertise in impactful, place-based planning. Trained in the UK and Netherlands, and starting his career in Dublin, Ireland, James brings a global perspective to creating efficient, community-oriented urban solutions.Find out more about James through these links:James Mant on LinkedIn@Jamesmant as James Mant on XSpero-ai on LinkedInStreetCo websiteStreetCo on LinkedInstreet_co_planning as StreetCo on InstagramPlanning Institute of Australia websitePlanning Institute of Australia on LinkedInCity People Podcast on SpotifyCity People Podcast on LinkedInConnected episodes you might be interested in:No.244 - Interview with Joe Glesta about 'urban city'No.274 - Interview with Richard Gill about saving people instead of jobsNo.330 - Interview with Mark Coates about digital twinsNo.333RWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in place and place-making? Summary of the article titled Place and Place-making in cities: A global perspective from 2010, by John Friedmann, published in the Planning Theory and Practice journal. This is a great preparation to our next interview with James Mant in episode 334 talking about placemaking as creating the streetscape from the building to the middle of the road. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see the place and placemaking through interactions and citizen attachment. This article advocates for a collaborative approach to placemaking, emphasising the importance of local engagement.Find the article through this link.Abstract: Since the 1990s, interest in place (as opposed to space) has surged across a spectrum of social science disciplines including planning. But the empirical focus has been chiefly on cities along the Atlantic Rim even as vast new areas in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were undergoing accelerated urbanization. This essay outlines a planning perspective to global place-making in the face of fierce inter-city competition for footloose capital. The question of how a place can be defined, and what criteria might serve to delineate a place occupies the first part of this essay. The definition proposed encompasses both a physical/built environment at the neighborhood scale and the subjective feelings its inhabitants harbor towards each other as an emplaced community. Specific criteria are discussed, with brief illustrations from Taiwan and China. But the art of place-making has not informed planners of the swaths of the urban in the newly industrializing global regions of Asia and elsewhere. Their principal preoccupation has been with the branding of cities and the advanced infrastructure required by global capital. In the process, millions of ordinary folks have been displaced and their neighborhoods erased, as speed, movement, and power have been valued more than the fragile social infrastructure of place-based communities. The essay concludes with an argument that place-making is everyone's job, local residents as well as official planners, and that old places can be “taken back” neighborhood by neighborhood, through collaborative people-centered planning. Examples from Japan, China, and Canada are used to illustrate these propositions.Connected episodes you might be interested in:No.225R - Positioning place-making as a social process: A systematic literature reviewNo.226 - Interview with Bruce Marshall about placemakingNo.255R - Participation, co-creation, and public spaceYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in design and placemaking as creating the city? What do you think about changing our behaviour for better urban futures? How can we learn from the past but not being shackled by it? Trailer for episode 334 - interview with James Mant, CEO of Spero AI. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, AI for planners, placemaking, data in planning, and many more.Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"[Resilience, sustainability and sovereignty] is building economies in cities and communities that have longevity."Are you interested in nuclear power and its effects on the economy? What do you think about economic longevity as resilience? How can we balance regulation and innovation? Interview with Kirsty Braybon, principal of Braybon Advisory. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, nuclear power and its legal background, regulatory theory, long-term economic incentives, and many more. Kirsty Braybon, Principal of Braybon Advisory, is a seasoned expert in nuclear, energy, resources, and government sectors. Formerly the inaugural Head of Legal at the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency, she shaped its foundation and advised on the AUKUS program. At the University of Adelaide, she lectures in nuclear law, leading a program focused on AUKUS submarines. With over a decade as a major projects lawyer, Kirsty rewrote South Australia's mining laws and worked in top law firms. She holds degrees from Flinders University, the University of Western Australia, and the University of Montpellier. An award-winning author, she advises Nuclear of Australia and serves on key boards.Find out more about Kirsty through these links:Kirsty Braybon on LinkedIn@KirstyBraybon as Kirsty Braybon on XBraybon Advisory on LinkedInNuclear a defining issue in the upcoming election - Kirsty Braybon on the SkyNews Kirsty Braybon at Nuclear for AustraliaKirsty Braybon at the Resource Law Network Connected episodes you might be interested in:No.313R - Nuclear power as foundation of a clean energy future: A reviewNo.314 - Interview with Andrew Vass about the financial parts of nuclear energyWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in nuclear energy's role in a carbon-free future? Our summary today works with the article titled Investigating the potential of nuclear energy in achieving a carbon-free energy future from 2023, by Janis Krümins and Maris Klavins, published in the MDPI Energies journal. This is a great preparation to our next interview with Kirsty Braybon in episode 332 talking about nuclear energy and its regulatory framework. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see another option, nuclear energy, in the energy mix for a carbon-free solution. This article discusses the role of nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors in achieving a carbon-free energy future.Find the article through this link.Abstract: This scientific paper discusses the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change. The proposed strategy is to reach net-zero emissions by transitioning to electric systems powered by low-carbon sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric power, and nuclear energy. However, the paper also highlights the challenges of this transition, including high costs and lack of infrastructure. The paper emphasizes the need for continued research and investment in renewable energy technology and infrastructure to overcome these challenges and achieve a sustainable energy system. Additionally, the use of nuclear energy raises concerns, such as nuclear waste and proliferation, and should be considered with its benefits and drawbacks. The study assesses the feasibility of nuclear energy development in Latvia, a country in Northern Europe, and finds that Latvia is a suitable location for nuclear power facilities due to potential energy independence, low-carbon energy production, reliability, and economic benefits. The study also discusses methods of calculating electricity generation and consumption, such as measuring MWh produced by power plants, and balancing supply and demand within the country. Furthermore, the study assesses the safety of nuclear reactors, generated waste, and options for nuclear waste recycling. The transition to a carbon-free energy system is ongoing and complex, requiring multiple strategies to accelerate the transition. While the paper proposes that nuclear energy could be a practical means of supporting and backing up electricity generated by renewables, it should be noted that there are still challenges to be addressed. Some of the results presented in the paper are still based on studies, and the post-treatment of waste needs to be further clarified.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.313R - Nuclear power as foundation of a clean energy future: A reviewNo.314 - Interview with Andrew Vass about nuclear power and its costsYou can find the transcript through this link.What wast the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in nuclear power and its effects on the economy? What do you think about economic longevity as resilience? How can we balance regulation and innovation? Trailer for episode 332 - interview with Kirsty Braybon, principal of Braybon Advisory. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, nuclear power and its legal background, regulatory theory, long-term economic incentives, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"There seems to be an innate optimism that you have to have as a planner. Why else would you come to a profession where you're trying to look forward?"Are you interested in the innate optimism planners have? What do you think about language as technology? How can we learn from the past for better urban futures? Interview with Thomas W. Sanchez, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, humans prevailing, planners' innate optimism, technology, and many more.Thomas W. Sanchez is a Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University. He earned his PhD in City Planning from Georgia Tech. His research and teaching focus on cities, planning methods, technology, and transportation. His most recent books include Networks in the Knowledge Economy (with Denise Bedford) and Planning Knowledge and Research. His forthcoming book, AI for Urban Planning will be published by Routledge in 2025. Tom serves as the American Planning Association (APA) Education Committee Chair and as a member of APA's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foresight Community.Find out more about Tom through these links:Thomas W. Sanchez on LinkedInThomas W. Sanchez websiteThomas W. Sanchez at Texas A&M UniversityConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.006 - Interview with Daniel Prohasky about thinking in thousands years aheadNo.292 - Interview with Anthony Acciavatti about the role of water in citiesNo.328 - Interview with Howard Bloom about a very wide understanding of technologyNo.329R - Artificial intelligence and the local government: A five-decade scientometric analysis on the evolution, state-of-the-art, and emerging trendsWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Our summary today works with the article titled Artificial intelligence and the local government: A five-decade scientometric analysis on the evolution, state-of-the-art, and emerging trends from 2024, by Tan Yigitcanlar, Sajani Senadheera, Raveena Marasinghe, Simon Elias Bibri, Thomas Sanchez, Federico Cugurullo, and Renee Sieber, published in the Cities journal. This is a great preparation to our next interview with Thomas Sanchez in episode 330 talking about urban and technological evolution. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how AI is utilised in urban governance. This article investigates the evolution, current state and emerging trends of AI in local governments across 5 decades.Find the article through this link.Abstract: In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has significantly impacted various sectors, including public governance at the local level. However, there exists a limited understanding of the overarching narrative surrounding the adoption of AI in local governments and its future. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, current state-of-the-art, and emerging trends in the adoption of AI in local government. A comprehensive scientometric analysis was conducted on a dataset comprising 7112 relevant literature records retrieved from the Scopus database in October 2023, spanning over the last five decades. The study findings revealed the following key insights: (a) exponential technological advancements over the last decades ushered in an era of AI adoption by local governments; (b) the primary purposes of AI adoption in local governments include decision support, automation, prediction, and service delivery; (c) the main areas of AI adoption in local governments encompass planning, analytics, security, surveillance, energy, and modelling; and (d) under-researched but critical research areas include ethics of and public participation in AI adoption in local governments. This study informs research, policy, and practice by offering a comprehensive understanding of the literature on AI applications in local governments, providing valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.259R - Lessons from nine urban areas using data to drive local sustainable developmentNo.304 - Interview with Nick Bray about agentic AIsYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the innate optimism planners have? What do you think about language as technology? How can we learn from the past for better urban futures? Trailer for episode 330 - interview with Thomas W. Sanchez, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, humans prevailing, planners' innate optimism, technology, and many more.Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"So that audacity to reach for the skies has been built into us ever since life reached the land."Are you interested in technological innovation like writing? What do you think about cities as the guiding light for humanity? How can we utilise technology while still planning with community in mind?Interview with Howard Bloom, author and founder of the Howard Bloom Institute. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, blinding humanity, human and urban evolution, space exploration, and many more. Howard Bloom, dubbed the Einstein and Freud of the 21st century by Channel 4 TV, is an author of eight books, including The Lucifer Principle. His book Global Brain sparked a symposium by the Secretary of Defense's office, with attendees from DARPA, MIT, and IBM. Bloom's work spans The Washington Post, Wired, and Scientific American. Initially a microbiologist and physicist, he explored mass behaviour—from quarks to humans. He champions omnology, a science of the panoramic, weaving together all disciplines to see the universe's grand patterns. In the 1970s-80s, he ran a top music PR firm, boosting stars like Michael Jackson and Prince, before returning to science in 1988. He's since lectured across twelve scientific fields, co-founded the Asian Space Technology Summit, and inspired the Howard Bloom Institute in 2021.Find out more about Howard through these links:Howard Bloom websiteHoward Bloom on Wikipedia@HowardxBloom as Howard Bloom on X@howlbloom as Howard Bloom on InstagramHoward Bloom Institute website@howard_bloom_institute as Howard Bloom Institute on InstagramConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.288 - Interview with Dan Hill about cities as knotsNo.304 - Interview with Nick Bray about AINo.317R - Economic and social impacts of public transport investmentsNo.327RWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in urban evolution across time? Our summary today works with the article titled Cities through the ages: One thing or many? from 2019, by Michael E. Smith and José Lobo, published in the Frontiers in Digital Humanities journal. This is a great preparation to our next interview with Howard Bloom in episode 328 talking about urban evolution from the bacteria to space exploration. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see the nature of cities throughout the ages. This article investigates cities as energised crowing, also known as one thing, and many things, such as political sites and economic environments.Find the article through this link.Abstract: The variability among cities, from the ancient world to the present, can be organized usefully in two ways. First, a focus on the dominant urban activities and processes leads to the recognition of two basic urban types: economic cities and political cities. Most cities today are economic cities in which growth proceeds through agglomeration processes. By contrast, most cities in the ancient world (and some today) are political cities, in which power and administration play a major role in structuring cities and generating change. Second, an alternative focus on processes of social interaction within the urban built environment leads to the recognition that there is only one kind of settlement that includes all cities—economic and political; past and present. Cities in this sense are settings for “energized crowding.” Processes of interaction generate both economic and political growth, and they produce and influence the built forms and social characteristics of all cities. Our model helps scholars distinguish the unique from the universal traits of cities today and in the past.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.090 - Interview with Professor Matthew McCartney about the economic side of citiesNo.318 - Interview with Mark Lutter about different economics across the world in citiesYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in technological innovation like writing? What do you think about cities as the guiding light for humanity? How can we utilise technology while still planning with community in mind?Trailer for episode 328 - interview with Howard Bloom, author and founder of the Howard Bloom Institute. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, blinding humanity, human and urban evolution, space exploration, and many more.Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"The city is a collision of people and ideas."Are you interested in the benefits of investing in public transport? What do you think about design by democracy? How can we create heterogenous cities with infrastructure as the backbone? Interview with Sarah Bridges, Technical Director at Aurecon and Director of Precinct Planning within the AJM Joint Venture. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, public transport, removing bad solutions, collision of ideas, and many more. Sarah Bridges is an accomplished project director with urban design and architectural background, specialising in complex urban projects that prioritise sustainability and community connectivity. As Technical Director at Aurecon and Director of Precinct Planning within the AJM Joint Venture, she plays a pivotal role in shaping city infrastructure and urban renewal projects across Victoria. With expertise in place-based outcomes, she leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-profile public and private projects from business case development through to implementation. Passionate about empowering communities, Sarah is dedicated to designing urban environments that support low-carbon living and enhance people's ability to connect with their surroundings.Find out more about Sarah through these links:Sarah Bridges on LinkedInAurecon websiteAurecon on LinkedInConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.206 - Interview with Amir Hussain about keeping character and welcome everyoneNo.214 - Interview with Andrew Vass about cost vs valueNo.325R - Economic and social impacts of public transport investmentsWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the benefits of public transport? Summary of the book chapter titled Economic and social impacts of public transport investments: A scoping literature review from 2023, by Paulo Anciaes and Jacob Albin Korem Alhassan, part of the Advances in Transport Policy and Planning book, published by Elsevier.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Sarah Bridges in episode 326 talking about public transport investments as one of the biggest opportunities for urban futures. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see the real benefits of public transport for the urban context. This chapter explores the effects of investments and disinvestments in public transport across the urban fabric.Find the chapter through this link.Abstract: This chapter reviews the wider economic, social, and health impacts of investments and disinvestments in public transport. Most studies on economic impacts have analysed the case of high-speed rail, with fewer analysing conventional intercity railways or urban public transport systems. The economic impacts of high-speed rail tend to be positive, although they are not equally distributed among the regions served. Investments in public transport have also been linked to an increase in housing prices and gentrification. Research on social and health impacts of public transport is limited and fragmented. Studies have found that the accessibility increase provided by new public transport connections contributes to increased participation in social activities. At the same time, public transport infrastructure can disconnect communities on opposite sides of the infrastructure. Research on public transport disinvestment is limited. The few available studies have shown that disinvestment is linked to several negative health and social impacts. Insufficient consideration of equity aspects also limits our understanding of the complexity of the full economic and social effects of investments and disinvestments in transport.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.194 - Interview with Oliver Stoltz about transport planning No.269R - The use of the smart technology for creating an inclusive urban public spaceYou can find the transcript through this link.What wast the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the benefits of investing in public transport? What do you think about design by democracy? How can we create heterogenous cities with infrastructure as the backbone? Trailer for episode 326 - interview with Sarah Bridges, Technical Director at Aurecon and Director of Precinct Planning within the AJM Joint Venture. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, public transport, removing bad solutions, collision of ideas, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"What are uses of land that the market won't provide but are still worthwhile?"Are you interested in the urban aspects not supported by market, like parks and beauty? What do you think about AI evolution? How can we retrofit the urban fabric for better futures? Interview with Fin Moorhouse, advanced AI researcher at Forethought. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, AI and its progress, urban retrofit, job automation, beauty as urban externality, and many more. Fin Moorhouse is a researcher at Forethought focused on advanced AI, previously working at Longview Philanthropy and Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute. He co-hosts Hear This Idea, a podcast exploring solutions to pressing global problems. A former Roots of Progress writing fellow, he has contributed to EA initiatives, UN policy discussions, and research on space governance. He studied philosophy at Cambridge.Find out more about Finn through these links:finmoorhouse website@finmoorhouse as Fin Moorhouse on XHear this idea podcast, co-hosted by Fin MoorhouseFin Moorhouse on GoodreadsRoots of Progress websiteOrder Without Design - book by Alain Bertaud, recommended by Fin MoorhouseSoonish - book by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith, recommended by Fin MoorhouseThe Death and Life of Great American Cities - book by Jane Jacobs, recommended by Fin MoorhouseForethought websiteConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.126 - Interview with Corey Gray about beautyNo.300 - Panel conversation on urban food production with Adam Dorr, Nadun Hennayaka, and Simon BurtNo.304 - Interview with Nick Bray about AI agentsNo.314 - Interview with Andrew Vass about how repeated construction decreases costsNo.323R - Planning ahead for better neighborhood: Long run evidence from TanzaniaWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the urban aspects not supported by market, like parks and beauty? What do you think about AI evolution? How can we retrofit the urban fabric for better futures? Trailer for episode 324 - interview with Fin Moorhouse, advanced AI researcher at Forethought. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, AI and its progress, urban retrofit, job automation, beauty as urban externality, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"The whole interaction between the developing and developed cities and countries are really dynamic."Are you interested in the difference between cities in the developing and developed countries? What do you think about solutions for the right problems? How can we find the root causes? Interview with Mat Santamouris, Scientia Professor at the University of New South Whales. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, developed and developing countries, finding the root causes, migration, climate change, and many more. Prof. Mat Santamouris is a global leader in energy and building physics, specialising in sustainable architecture and urban heat island mitigation. He holds the Anita Lawrence Chair in High Performance Architecture at UNSW, Australia. With over 15 books and 450 scientific publications, his research advances energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart building materials. He has led international projects shaping policy and building standards worldwide. As an advisor to governments and global organisations, he influences energy policy and climate strategies. Recognised with multiple awards, his work enhances urban resilience and sustainability in response to climate change.Find out more about Mat through these links:Mat Santamouris on LinkedInMat Santamouris on Google ScholarMat Santamouris at UNSWConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.244 - Interview with Joe Glesta about urban heat island resilienceNo.246 - Interview with Boyd Cohen about the experience of living in a developing countryNo.256 - Interview with Marcus Foth about scientific solutions already existingNo.321R - Synergies and exacerbations— effects of warmer weather and climate changeWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the effects of urban heat islands? Summary of the book chapter titled Synergies and exacerbations – effects of warmer weather and climate change from 2023, by Hassan Saeed Khan, Riccardo Paolini, and Matthaios Santamouris, as part of the Urban Climate Change and Heat Islands book, published by Elsevier.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Mat Santamouris in episode 322 talking about the urban heat island effect, its causes and potential solutions. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see the complex interplay between urban overheating, heatwaves and weather conditions. This chapter aims to understand the synergies between these phenomena and their implications for urban communities.Find the chapter through this link.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.243R - Integrative approaches to urban resilience No.244 - Interview with Joe Glesta about urban heat islandsYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the difference between cities in the developing and developed countries? What do you think about solutions for the right problems? How can we find the root causes? Trailer for episode 322 - interview with Mat Santamouris, Scientia Professor at the University of New South Whales. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, developed and developing countries, finding the root causes, migration, climate change, and many more.Find out more in the episodeEpisode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"We live in an age where the expansion of possibility is actually greater than the latency of restrain."Are you interested in reinventing ourselves for better futures? What do you think about light cities? How can we create conscious urban evolution? Interview with Glenn Drew, CEO of SQUIZZ.COM, TOTECS and Connected Built. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, intelligent evolution, light cities, AI, retrofitting, and many more.Glenn Drew is the CEO of SQUIZZ.com, TOTECS, and Connected Built. A visionary leader, he fosters innovation and empowers teams to achieve strategic success. Glenn founded his first eCommerce technology company, TOTECS, in 2000 while studying Computer Science at Melbourne University. Since 2011, he has led the development of SQUIZZ.com, supporting businesses across wholesale, retail, and manufacturing. With Connected Built, he aims to integrate industry professionals and partners to streamline the built environment, transitioning smart cities to light cities, infrastructure, and next-generation digital ecosystems through seamless connectivity and collaboration.Find out more about Glenn through these links:Glenn Drew on LinkedInSQUIZZ.com websiteSQUIZZ.com on LinkedInTOTECS websiteTOTECS on LinkedIn@totecs_ as TOTECS on Xtotecsdotcom as TOTECS on InstagramTOTECS on YouTubeConnected Built websiteConnected Built on LinkedInconnectedbuiltdotcom as Connected Built on InstagramConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.228 - Interview with Dominique Hes about the city trapping in peopleNo.298 - Interview with Carina Gormley about the need for failure in governanceNo.312 - Interview with Gilbert Rochecouste about how the city is for funNo.219R - Intelligent urbanism with artificial intelligence in shaping tomorrow's smart citiesWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in artificial intelligence advancing cities? Summary of the article titled Intelligent urbanism with artificial intelligence in shaping tomorrow's smart cities: current developments,, trends, and future directions from 2023, by Zhenjun Yan, Ling Jiang, Xiaoli Huang, Lifang Zhang, and Xinxin Zhou, published in the Journal of Cloud Computing.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Glenn Drew in episode 320 talking about artificial intelligence as a tool. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how to integrate AI into the urban fabric. This article highlights AI's potential to improve urban resilience, sustainability and overall quality of life, not without challenges.Find the article through this link.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.303 - Agentic AI No.304 - Interview with Nick Bray about agentic AIsYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in reinventing ourselves for better futures? What do you think about light cities? How can we create conscious urban evolution? Trailer for episode 320 - interview with Glenn Drew, CEO of SQUIZZ.COM, TOTECS and Connected Built. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, intelligent evolution, light cities, AI, retrofitting, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"One of the biggest strengths is the past of cities."Are you interested in the connection of economics and cities? What do you think about superstar cities and their agglomeration? How can we utilise cities' pasts as their strengths? Interview with Mark Lutter, Founder and Executive Director of the Charter Cities Institute. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, agglomeration in superstar cities, innovation and technology, the urban history, and many more. Mark Lutter is the Founder and Executive Director of the Charter Cities Institute, a non-profit focused on building the ecosystem for charter cities, and the Founder and CEO of Braavos Cities, a charter city development firm. He earned a PhD in economics from George Mason University and has been featured in the New Yorker, Financial Times, and the Atlantic. Charter cities, innovative urban projects with superior legal systems, aim to revolutionize governance in the 21st century. Mark has worked globally on their development, engaging in fundraising, strategy, and planning to attract investment and drive economic growth.Find out more about Mark through these links:Mark Lutter on LinkedInMark Lutter website@MarkLutter as Mark Lutter on XCharter Cities Institute websiteCharter Cities Institute on LinkedIn@CCIdotCity as Charter Cities Institute on X@ccidotcity as Charter Cities Institute on InstagramCharter Cities PodcastBraavos Cities websiteConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.090 - Interview with Professor Matthew McCartney about the connection between economy and citiesNo.294 - Interview with Erick A. Brimen about new city building and governance structureNo.317RWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested charter cities? Summary of the article titled Building resilient cities: The role of charter cities in promoting resilient urban development from 2024, by Eva Klaus and the Charter Cities Institute, published on the Charter Cities Institute website.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Mark Lutter, the founder and executive director of Charter Cities Institute in episode 318 talking about charter cities and their role in urban futures. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how the charter cities concept can enhance urban resilience. This article introduces charter cities as new cities with new rules and the opportunities within climate adaptation and sustainable growth.Find the article through this link.Connecting episodes you might be interested in:No.074R - Resilient urban planning: major principles and criteriaNo.090 - Interview with Professor Matthew McCartney about the connection between economics and citiesYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in the connection of economics and cities? What do you think about superstar cities and their agglomeration? How can we utilise cities' pasts as their strengths? Trailer for episode 318 - interview with Mark Lutter, Founder and Executive Director of the Charter Cities Institute. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, agglomeration in superstar cities, innovation and technology, the urban history, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"Urban mining is a necessity for future cities!"Are you interested in urban mining? What do you think about differentiating reuse, recycling and regeneration? How can we make our material use more efficient? Interview with Don Weatherbee, CEO of RegenX Tech. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, urban mining, the city as the best and worst of us, regeneration, and many more. Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx Tech, is a visionary in the clean tech sector, driving innovation in sustainable precious metal recovery. Under his leadership, RegenX Tech has transitioned from pilot projects to full-scale operations, including the opening of the flagship facility in Greeneville, Tennessee. Don's collaborative approach and strategic partnerships, such as with Davis Recycling, have propelled RegenX as a leader in environmentally friendly extraction of platinum and palladium. A passionate advocate for the circular economy, Don champions recycling innovation and sustainable practices in the mining industry. His work exemplifies a commitment to reducing environmental impact, advancing industry ESG standards, and shaping a greener future.Find out more about Don through these links:Don Weatherbee on LinkedInRegenX websiteRegenX on LinkedIn@regenx.tech as RegenX on InstagramConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.232 - Interview with Katie Skillington about urban miningNo.296 - Interview with Sally Capp about never to waste a good crisisNo.315R - Potential and relevance of urban mining in the context of sustainable citiesWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested urban mining? Summary of the article titled Potential and relevance of urban mining in the context of sustainable cities from 2017, by Rachna Arora, Katharina Paterok, Abhijit Banerjee, and Manjeet Singh Saluja, published in the IIMB Management Review journal.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Don Weatherbee in episode 316 talking about urban mining and the differences between recycling, reuse and regeneration. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see the urban mining concept for better urban futures. This article introduces urban mining, the waste streams it can utilise, and some city planning initiatives utilising this concept.Find the article through this link.Abstract: The objective of urban mining is the safeguarding of the environment and the promotion of resource conservation through reuse, recycling, and recovery of secondary resources from waste. Urban mining maximises the resource and economic value of the waste streams generated in urban spaces and will be a significant concept in the planning and designing of sustainable cities, making the process consistent with the sustainable development goals. This review article brings out comprehensive information on urban mining as a concept and its relevance to the Indian and international context as a source of secondary raw material.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.232 - Interview with Kate Skillington about urban mining No.265R - Regeneration towards suitabilityYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in urban mining? What do you think about differentiating reuse, recycling and regeneration? How can we make our material use more efficient? Trailer for episode 316 - interview with Don Weatherbee, CEO of RegenX Tech. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, urban mining, the city as the best and worst of us, regeneration, and many more.Find out more in the episodeEpisode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"I think people underestimate human ingenuity."Are you interested in nuclear energy? What do you think about Australia's leading research agency's investigation on nuclear energy? How can we restructure our understanding on financing nuclear energy? Interview with Andrew Vass, a financial market expert. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, nuclear energy, 2nd and 3rd rate consequences, financial decisions for clean energy, and many more. Andrew Vass is a financial markets expert with experience across equities, cross-asset derivatives, and private capital markets. Andrew is passionate about technology and data. He put both of those into practice by diving into the nuclear rabbit hole after hearing a former client discuss why he had launched a nuclear dedicated hedge fund. His views do not represent his current employer, and are expressed in a personal capacity.Find out more about Andrew through these links:@vass_and_ as Andrew Vass on XHinkley Point C - report by Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy on one of the nuclear projects Andrew was talking aboutUnderstanding the Costs of Integrating Energy Resources in PJM: Analyzing Full-Cycle Levelized Costs of Electricity by EPSAConnecting episodes you might be interested in: No.212 - Interview with Jonathan Reichental about abundant energy No.264 - Interview with Boyd Cohen about abundance capitalism No.313R - What is nuclear energy?What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in nuclear power for clean energy? Summary of the articles titled What is nuclear energy, What about the waste, and Safety, security and safeguards from 2024, fact sheets produced by Nuclear for Australia.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Andrew Vass in episode 314 talking about the misconceptions of nuclear energy and its finances.Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see whether nuclear power can be a foundation for a clean energy future. These reports aim to dispel misconceptions about nuclear energy to address energy and climate challenges.Find the reports through this link.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.212 - Interview with Jonathan Reichental about abundant energy opportunities No.246 - Interview with Boyd Cohen about abundance capitalismYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in nuclear energy? What do you think about Australia's leading research agency's investigation on nuclear energy? How can we restructure our understanding on financing nuclear energy? Trailer for episode 314 - interview with Andrew Vass, a financial market expert. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, nuclear energy, 2nd and 3rd rate consequences, financial decisions for clean energy, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"I think we've become smaller, we've become less human as consumers, compared to active participants."Are you interested in regenerative placemaking? What do you think about urban participation and its consequences? How can we reimagine our place in cities to create more beautiful urban environments?Interview with Gilbert Rochecouste, Founder and Managing Director of Village Well. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, resilience and regeneration, enjoying cities, urban evolution, and many more.Gilbert Rochecouste is a globally recognised leader in placemaking, known for creating vibrant, resilient, and people-centred destinations. Over 25 years, he has worked with 1,000+ cities, towns, universities, developers, and governments to integrate commerce, culture, community, and ecology. As Founder and Managing Director of Village Well, Australia's premier placemaking consultancy, he leads a multidisciplinary team shaping socially, culturally, and commercially successful places. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, he has influenced Melbourne's liveability and global city-making. He co-founded the EPOCH Institute and has served on several boards. In 2015, he launched Australia's first Place Lab and Place School.Find out more about Gilbert through these links:Gilbert Rochecouste on LinkedInGilbert Rochecouste website@gil_placemaker as Gilbert Rochecouste on XVillage Well websiteVillage Well on LinkedInvillage.well as Village Well on InstagramEPOCH Institute websiteEPOCH Institute on LinkedInepochinstitute as EPOCH Institute on InstagramPlacemaking & Generating Aliveness through Place - Gilbert Rochecouste on The Embodied Life PodcastConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.290 - Interview with Jen Borrero about affordable housingNo.292 - Interview with Anthony Acciavatti about hallucinating on the problemsNo.300 - Panel conversation about Urban Food ProductionNo.311R - Nature Positive: Guidelines for the transition in citiesWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in transitioning cities to be nature positive? Summary of the report titled Nature Positive: Guidelines for the transition in cities from 2024, by Javier García Olivares, Cristina Gómez Garcia-Reyes and Nicole Merlo as lead authors, published on the World Economic Forum website.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Gilbert Rochecouste in episode 312 talking about the need for nature positive approaches and financing. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see the urban economic risks from biodiversity loss. This report introduces guidelines for cities to become nature positive and taking definitive and positive actions while carefully monitoring progress.Find the report through this link.Connected episodes you might be interested in:No.189R - Biourbanism (book summary)No.190 - Interview with Adrian McGregor about cities being part of natureYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in regenerative placemaking? What do you think about urban participation and its consequences? How can we reimagine our place in cities to create more beautiful urban environments? Trailer for episode 312 - interview with Gilbert Rochecouste, Founder and Managing Director of Village Well. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, resilience and regeneration, enjoying cities, urban evolution, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"Cities can be the places that were how we do our metabolism as a spieces." Are you interested in ecological design? What do you think about bioregions in our planning? How can we avoid defuturing? Interview with Dr Stuart Cowan, Executive Director at Buckminster Fuller Institute. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, futuring and protopia, Spaceship Earth, reciprocity, experimentation, and many more. Dr. Stuart Cowan is the Executive Director of the Buckminster Fuller Institute, advancing design science for systems change. He leads initiatives like the BFI Design Lab, fostering innovation to address critical planetary challenges. With 25 years' experience in regenerative design, finance, and systems, he co-founded Autopoiesis LLC, regenerating communities, ecosystems, and organizations. Stuart was the founding convener of the Regenerative Communities Network, supporting 15 bioregions, and has served as Chief Scientist at the Smart Cities Council. Co-author of Ecological Design, he earned a PhD in Applied Mathematics from UC Berkeley, focusing on Complex Systems and Ecological Economics.Find out more about Stuart through these links:Stuart Cowan on LinkedIn Stuart Cowan websiteBuckminster Fuller Institute websiteBuckminster Fuller Institute on LinkedInBuckminster Fuller Institute on YoutubeEcological design - book by Stuart Cowan and Sim Van der RynOperating manual for a Spaceship Earth - book by Buckminster FullerChildren of a modest star - book by Jonathan S. Blake and Nils GilmanDesign for the pluriverse - book by Arturo EscobarDesigning from an abundance perspective - Stuart Cowan on the Ma Earth programConnecting episodes you might be interested in:No.101R - What we owe the future? (book summary)No.186 - Interview with Tom Bosschaert about Orchid CityNo.220 - Interview with Simon Burt about the importance of bees No.309R - Ecological urban planning and designWhat was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in ecological design? Summary of the article titled Ecological urban planning and design: A systematic literature review from 2019, by Angela Heymans, Jessica Breadsell, Gregory M. Morrison, Joshua J. Byrne, and Christine Eon, published in the MDPI Sustainability journal.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Dr Stuart Cowan in episode 310 talking about bioregions and ecological design. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how an ecologically based urban planning and design paradigm could create a more harmonious relationship. This article investigates the literature trends and presents seven underpinning main themes in the theory.Find the article through this link.Abstract: Urbanization is a defining feature of the modern age, yet the current model of urban development profoundly alters the natural environment, often reducing biodiversity and ultimately threatening human wellbeing. An ecologically based urban planning and design paradigm should consider a more harmonious relationship. Through a systematic literature review of 57 papers, this research identified relevant concepts and theories that could underpin this new paradigm. It revealed a noticeable increase in academic interest in this subject since 2013 and the development of concepts and theories that reflect a more holistic socio-ecological systems approach to urban planning and design based on a transdisciplinary integration and synthesis of research. Seven main themes underpin the academic literature: ecosystem services, socio-ecological systems, resilience, biodiversity, landscape, green infrastructure, as well as integrated and holistic approaches. Six of these can be organised into either a sustainability stream or a spatial stream, representing the foundations of a potential new ecological urban planning and design paradigm that applies sustainability-related concepts in a spatial setting. The final theme, integrated and holistic, includes concepts that reflect the fundamental characteristics of this new paradigm, which can be termed ‘urban consonance'.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.186 - Interview with Tom Bosschaert about nature in cities No.189R - Biourbanism (book summary) No.190 - Interview with Adrian McGregor about biourbanismYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in ecological design? What do you think about bioregions in our planning? How can we avoid defuturing? Trailer for episode 310 - interview with Dr Stuart Cowan, Executive Director at Buckminster Fuller Institute. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, futuring and protopia, Spaceship Earth, reciprocity, experimentation, and many more. Find out more in the episode.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
"Cities are part of the extended phenotype for the kind of knowledge that is produced by human civilisation."Are you interested in how quantum physics is influencing the future of cities? What do you think about the connection between knowledge and urban evolution? How can we create better urban environments for knowledge creation? Interview with Chiara Marletto, Scientific Researcher at University of Oxford. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, the effects of scientific evolution, the best environment for knowledge creation, and many more as a special edition part of the Podcasthon 2025. Chiara Marletto is a Research Fellow at Wolfson College and the Physics Department, University of Oxford. She holds degrees from Oxford and the University of Turin. Her research focuses on the foundations of physics, spanning quantum information theory, condensed matter physics, quantum biology, and thermodynamics. Chiara has pioneered a novel approach to physics, constructor theory and has applied it to fundamental questions of control, causation and the nature of information in physics. Her work has also explored how essential features of living systems, such as self-reproduction and evolution, align with fundamental physical laws. Recently she has discovered a new method to test quantum effects in gravity, based on constructor-theoretic ideas. She is the author of The Science of Can and Can't, her first trade book.This is also a special episode to be part of Podcasthon 2025 - a globally coordinated effort for podcasts to highlight a charity of their choice. WTF4Cities is happy to participate in this 3rd edition of the Podcasthon with thousands of podcasts worldwide. The charity where you can support Chiara and her research is through Wolfson College at the University of Oxford with New Frontiers reference. Donations will be held in a dedicated fund, controlled by Chiara, and she'll be able to keep donors updated on the progress of her research and what their generosity has made possible. So if you want to help the research move ahead: Name: Wolfson College, University of Oxford Reference: New FrontiersLearn more about Chiara through these links: Chiara Marletto on LinkedIn Chiara Marletto website Chiara Marletto at Wolfson College Chiara Marletto on Wikipedia Chiara Marletto on Google Scholar Quantum New Frontiers Hub in Wolfson college The Science of Can and Can't - book by Chiara Marletto The Beginning of Infinity - book by David Deutsch The Fabric of Reality - book by David DeutschConnecting episodes you might be interested in: No.156 - Interview with Fanni Melles about urban conscious evolution No.180 - Interview with Ben Vass about knowledge creation No.272 - Interview with Frank Elavsky about philosophy No.307R - The Science of Can and Can't (book summary)What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Are you interested in what is possible based on physics? Summary of the book titled The Science of Can and Can't – A physicist's journey through the land of counterfactuals from 2021, by Chiara Marletto, published by Penguin.This is a great preparation to our next interview with Chiara Marletto in episode 308 talking about the connection of physics and the future of cities, as part of the Podcasthon 2025 global event.Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see what possibilities are present according to physics. This book introduces constructor theory, a shift in physics from describing what does happen to what can or can't happen.Find the book through this link.Book description: A luminous guide to how the radical new science of counterfactuals can reveal the full scope of our universe. There is a vast class of properties, which science has so far neglected, that relate not only to what is true – the actual – but to what could be true: the counterfactual. This is the science of can and can't. A pioneer in the field, Chiara Marletto explores the extraordinary promise that this revolutionary approach holds for confronting existing technological challenges, from delivering next-generation processors to designing AI. But by contemplating the possible as well as the actual, Marletto goes deeper still, showing how counterfactuals can break down barriers to knowledge and form a more complete, abundant and rewarding picture of the universe itself.Connecting episodes you might be interested in: No.180 - Interview with Ben Vass about the opportunities with physics No.222 - Interview with Adam Dorr about knowledge being applied knowledgeYou can find the transcript through this link.What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Episode generated with Descript assistance (affiliate link).Music by Lesfm from Pixabay