All Things Urban

As the world gets warmer, cities are getting warmer faster than surrounding lands. Without sufficient adaptation on the part of urban authorities, this heat will increasingly kill vulnerable inhabitants. At the same time, heat often coincides with drought: the global urban population exposed to water scarcity is set to increase by at least 81% between 2016 and 2050. Heat will cause water scarcity, just as water can also help with heat. While the first cities to be affected will be in the Global South, cities in Global Northern countries are starting to consistently face the same challenges. How can urban policy actors solve this dilemma? In Catalonia, authorities are innovating water governance during droughts and heatwaves.

If you're passionate about cities and urban spaces, you may feel unsure about how to turn that passion into a stable, fulfilling career. Questions like 'Where do I start?' 'What skills do I need?' 'How can I stand out in this competitive field?' can leave you feeling stuck. But with the right guidance, you can gain clarity and direction. Here’s how to transform your passion for urbanism into a thriving career.

Are you passionate about cities but unsure how to turn that passion into a career? Do you find yourself scrolling through job boards, feeling overwhelmed by the competitive landscape of urbanism? You’re not alone. Many aspiring urbanists face the daunting task of navigating a complex field with no clear roadmap. But don’t worry—whether you're a recent graduate or looking to shift your career, there are strategies to help you stand out and secure a job in urbanism.

At All Things Urban, we thrive on uncovering new niches and exploring unexpected angles that offer fresh perspectives on urban living. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of underground urbanism—a field that is redefining how we design, utilize, and inhabit our cities. In this interview, we speak with Mahak Agrawal, an expert in the field, to gain insights into the significance, challenges, and potential of utilizing underground spaces to create more sustainable and resilient urban environments. Join us as we journey below the surface to discover how underground urbanism is shaping the cities of the future.

In Bratislava, empathy and play are not just child's play; they are essential tools in redesigning urban spaces. This story marks the beginning of a compelling series from the Urban95 Academy by LSE Cities and the Van Leer Foundation, which guides city leaders in crafting environments that prioritise the needs of young children and their caregivers. Bratislava’s efforts to create safer, more accessible streets stand as a testament to the transformative power of child-centric urban planning. As we delve into this series, we'll uncover how cities around the globe are innovating to create communities that support the well-being of all their residents, proving that what works for children works for everyone.

In what ways can Urban AI enhance the quality of life in cities? In our series "A Journey in Urban AI," we explore this intriguing question with emerging leaders who are revolutionizing urban planning through artificial intelligence. This installment features Shweta Gandhi, an accomplished Urban Planner & Strategist currently working at AECOM and a graduate of the first edition of the Urban AI Emerging Leaders Program. With a rich background in strategic visioning, policy development, and urban analytics, Shweta holds an MSc in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford. She has a keen interest in urban AI and has focused on sustainable urban development and smart city concepts. Based in the Middle East, Shweta is dedicated to using urban AI to enhance urban efficiency and quality of life on a global scale. In this interview, she shares her journey into Urban AI, pivotal moments in her career, challenges, emerging trends, and advice for aspiring professionals in the field.

Imagine stepping into a time machine and witnessing the evolution of a city. What pivotal moments, challenges, and innovations have shaped the urban landscape over the years? Today, we invite you to embark on a journey through the dynamic world of urban artificial intelligence, guided by the visionary graduates of the first edition of the Urban AI Emerging Leaders Program. These pioneers are revolutionizing urbanism with data-driven insights. Join us as we delve into the evolution of urban landscapes with Céleste Richard, an Urban Design Senior Consultant at Aretian. With a background in architecture and urbanism, Céleste specializes in creating sustainable, innovative city environments.

What are the essential skills and knowledge areas urbanists should focus on? While grasping all the evolving trends at once can be daunting, we've honed in on the key themes that will define sustainable urban development in the near future. This article, brought to you by the All Things Urban team in partnership with the EIT Urban Mobility Academy, highlights these pivotal trends and offers insights into how their courses can prepare you to navigate and contribute to these exciting developments.

In a world shaken by unprecedented challenges, our understanding of wellbeing has undergone a profound transformation. We have come to recognize how deeply our mental and physical health intertwines with our urban surroundings. Against this backdrop, interior designers and housing operators are stepping up as pivotal forces in city development, championing holistic wellbeing within shared living spaces. Let's explore the facets of intentional design that can amplify well-being in these urban settings.

Faezeh Mohammadi is an Iranian urbanist and programme maker who started out as a Bachelor's student of Urban Planning & Design at the University of Tehran and moved to The Netherlands to continue her studies with a Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning. In this interview, Faezeh shares her experience of pursuing an early career as an international graduate in a “migrant destination” and gives valuable advice on how to overcome these challenges.