Changes in the world of work have – not only since the COVID-19 pandemic – reinforced the need for new conceptions and visions for urban spaces. The plenary discussion will explore the potential of transformative approaches regarding the public sphere and encounters across social groups, sustainability, social inclusion, mobility and community involvement in urban planning.

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned our cities upside down in many ways. Commuter flows towards the office towers of global metropoles have run dry. E-commerce and delivery services are putting more pressure on bricks-and-mortar retailers than ever before, with drastic consequences for cityscapes and workers. On the flipside, public spaces are no longer treated as largely transitional sites between work, home and leisure; instead, they have acquired a renewed importance for social encounters and relaxation. Moreover, with urban centres deprived of their cultural assets and work from home an acceptable request, suburban and rural life has become a concrete desire for large numbers of city-dwellers.

These challenges to the existing model of urban planning create significant possibilities, too. New typologies of buildings and neighbourhoods, which accommodate the need for more flexible work-life relations, are already emerging. Especially the principles of resilience and sustainability are gaining traction across the field of architecture and planning. Drawing on initiatives and discussions among policy-makers, architects, businesses and civil society, this panel will evaluate the potential of transformative approaches regarding the public sphere, social inclusion, community involvement, urban governance, mobility and other public infrastructure.

The working group of Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Leopoldina are hosting the panel discussion as part of the Falling Walls Summit 2021.

Speakers include Prof. Dr. Jutta Allmendinger ML, Prof. Bettina Götz and Doris Kleilein. The event will be moderated by Chris Murray.

ML= Member of the Leopoldina