Grand Paris – Compact, polycentric, sustainable cities – Richard Rogers’ concept for an “Urban Renaissance”

Architecture is political – because it actively shapes civic life. Since 1990 cities and their urban planning have increasingly become a primary focus of architecture, as urban areas are the physical framework of our society, the generators of social values, engines of our economy and the heart of our culture. How will cities of the future be able to withstand, stand the pace of climate catastrophes and social change in a world (an urban world) that is continuously evolving?

Richard Rogers’s response is the compact, polycentric and sustainable city. It has a high population density, reacts flexibly to changes in the environment, and is equipped with a coherent public transport network. Sustainable urban development is dependent on the quality of architecture, social well-being and environmental responsibility. How will the mega-cities such as São Paulo, Mumbai and Shanghai be able to achieve such standards? (more on this subject: Alfred Herrhausen Society)

Lecture by Richard Rogers on April 7, 2011

Welcome and Introduction, Wolfgang Nowak,Alfred Herrhausen Society

Lecture and Discussion, Richard Rogers, Architect, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, London

Moderation and Discussion, Kristien Ring, freelance curator, architectural critic, previous director of the DAZ, Berlin