Konferencja AESOP 2023 na Wydziale Zarządzania UŁ. Łódź globalnym centrum dyskusji urbanistycznych

On 24 – 27 July 2023 Lodz hosted International Conference AESOP (Association of European Schools of Planning) – the most important event for city planners, architects and planners from around the world. This year's edition of the conference gathered over 700 onsite and nearly 1,500 online participants, representing over 60 countries. Throughout four days of intensive debates and discussion panels they focused on the topic "Sustainable cities of the future: Challenges and innovations".

During the conference, which was held at the Faculty of Management of the University of Lodz, a number of key issues related to urban planning and urban development were discussed. Some of the main topics included:

  1. Green cities for a healthy life: Innovative approaches to creating urban spaces conducive to physical activity and improving the quality of life of residents were discussed.
  2. Smart cities and new technologies: The experts analysed the impact of modern technologies, such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, on the efficiency and sustainability of cities.
  3. Participatory urban planning: The topic of the active role of local communities in the process of shaping urban policies and urban investments was addressed.
  4. Cities resilient to climate change: Adaptation strategies and actions aimed at minimising the effects of climate change in the urban context were discussed.
  5. Social and economic exclusion: Research on social and economic inequalities in cities and ways of solving them were presented.

During the conference, journalists had the opportunity to interview many prominent figures in the field of urban planning and architecture. They included Professor David Harvey, who shared his insights on global urban trends and Dr Jane Jacobs, an author of award-winning works on sustainable urban development.

AESOP 2023 in Lodz was not limited to traditional lectures. The participants could take part in interactive workshops and group sessions, during which they shared knowledge and experiences in specific areas of urban planning.

The international AESOP 2023 conference in Lodz ended with inspired discussions and effective exchange of knowledge. The lessons learned from this event will shape the future of cities around the world, moving towards a more sustainable, smart and inclusive urban space.

An extensive photo report of the conference

Text: Mateusz Sobociński, #UniLodz Ambassador

Photos: Faculty of Management, University of Lodz