All Things Urban

In a city short of funds where urban air pollution was a growing concern something creative needed to be done to change the city for the better. Elected in 2015 mayor Erion Veliaj has transformed the city, harnessing the power of its children, “a small revolutionary in every family” to help him. In his first year Veliaj took 40,000 sq m of land from illegal developments, making way for 31 new playgrounds. He instigated repeated traffic closures on the main Skanderbeg Square to allow children to play safely, now permanently car free the square sits at the centre of a pedestrian zone that has expanded monthly. The Mayor of Tirana will talk about his visions for the city and the difficulties of introducing change and talk with Amica Dall, one of the directors of Assemble, a democratically run architecture, art and design practice **Ticket registration** This event is free and open to all, and no registration is required. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Our events are very well attended, so please make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment. We cannot guarantee entry, but retain a limited number of tickets at the door on the evening.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the foremost social science universities in the world. Its research and teaching span the full breadth of the social sciences, from economics, politics and law to sociology, anthropology, accounting and finance. Founded in 1895 by Beatrice and Sidney Webb, the School has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence. 16 Nobel prize winners have been LSE staff or alumni.