Tracks

Track Chairs

Jorge Mejía Hernández and Slobodan Velevski

In his influential introduction to the edited volume "On Streets" (1978), architecture historian Stanford Anderson employed the concept of 'sympatry' from ecological sciences to assess the functionality of streets. In essence, sympatry denotes environments where diverse and potentially conflicting species simultaneously contribute to and utilize vastly different resources, thereby fostering the preservation and enhancement of their habitat.

This track invites contributors to scrutinize current calls for inclusivity and diversity in the built environment through the perspective of sympatry. The goal is to assess, based on tangible evidence, the practical benefits (or lack thereof) of human diversity in the creation and use of streets. Building upon Anderson's insights into streets as spaces where reciprocal interactions between users and their environments create a unique urban ecology, the track aims to unveil distinct relational principles at play within the socio-physical environment of actual streetscapes.

Potential contributions may include case studies exploring instances where the coexistence of different 'species' of human individuals correlates with the quality of a specific built environment. Additionally, analyses could delve into how a broad spectrum of interests and capabilities, observable in diverse individuals, influences their utilization and provision of resources in specific city areas. The track also welcomes theoretical reflections on expansive approaches to diversity, moving beyond dialectic, binary, or dichotomous modes of interpretation.

Track Chair

Karen BouJaoude Khoury

Emergency response is a critical aspect of urban planning and infrastructure design. The goal of this track is to address the importance of designing streets that facilitate efficient and effective emergency response, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities during crises. This conference track aims to bring together experts, practitioners, and researchers to explore innovative strategies, best practices, and emerging technologies for designing streets that support swift and coordinated emergency response efforts.

Session 1: The Role of Urban Planning in Emergency Response

- Understanding the intersection of urban planning and emergency response.

- Incorporating emergency response considerations into city master plans.

- Showcasing case studies of cities with well-designed emergency response infrastructure.

Session 2: Street Design Principles for Emergency Response

- Designing streets for the accessibility and mobility of emergency vehicles.

- Implementing intelligent traffic management systems.

- Prioritizing safe evacuation routes and emergency vehicle access points.

Session 3: Technological Advancements for Smart Emergency Response

- Leveraging IoT and sensors for real-time data collection during emergencies.

- Using GIS and mapping technologies for routing and resource allocation.

- Integrating drones and autonomous vehicles into emergency response efforts.

Session 4: Community Engagement and Resilience

- Involving the community in emergency response planning.

- Promoting public awareness and preparedness.

- Building resilience through community-driven initiatives.

Session 5: Interagency Collaboration and Coordination

- Strengthening collaboration between emergency services, law enforcement, and local authorities.

- Establishing unified communication protocols and incident command systems.

- Drawing lessons from successful interagency cooperation.

Session 6: Case Studies and Best Practices

- Showcasing successful street designs for emergency response.

- Highlighting cities with exemplary emergency response systems.

- Extracting lessons learned from recent disasters and emergencies.

Session 7: Emerging Trends and Future Directions

- Exploring the role of AI and machine learning in predictive emergency response.

- Addressing climate change and its impact on emergency response infrastructure.

- Preparing for future challenges in urban emergency response.

Session 8: Funding and Policy Considerations

- Identifying funding mechanisms for designing and maintaining emergency-ready streets.

- Developing policy frameworks to incentivize emergency response-oriented urban planning.

- Balancing emergency response needs with other urban development priorities.

Session 9: Practical Workshops and Simulation Exercises

- Conducting interactive workshops on emergency response street design.

- Running simulation exercises to test and refine emergency response strategies.

- Offering hands-on demonstrations of new technologies and tools.

Session 10: Panel Discussion and Q&A

- Hosting a panel of experts discussing key takeaways and future directions.

- Facilitating an audience Q&A session to address specific concerns and queries.

We invite submissions of research papers, case studies, and proposals for practical demonstrations and workshops that contribute to the goal of designing streets that enhance emergency response capabilities within urban environments. Join us at this conference track to explore how the synergy between urban planning, technology, and community engagement can create safer and more resilient cities during emergencies.

Track Chair

Alessandro Armando

The Street as (the) Architectural Thing

In what sense can we consider a street as a real architecture and not just as a service or traffic element? What are the theoretical and operational references that allow us to consider the street as an artefact? The street is endowed with three-dimensionality, temporality and permanence, as an integral part of the urban architecture. From a material point of view, the street is neither a type nor a mere functional device, but rather an inseparable part of the urban continuum, so much so that it could be argued that within a settlement there is no entity-street, but only a set of legal conventions to which this name is given. In the extreme, one could say that architecture, the city and the street are the same thing - in the strong sense of the term as understood, for example, by Bruno Latour (Latour, 2005).

The Architecture of the Street as a Process: Spacing, Timing, and Acting of the Street Project

To make an architecture-as-street, you have to take a path: the street project (like any architecture) is also a roadmap, a diachronic cartography. To narrate the processes of design and maintenance as divergent and multiple trajectories, and not simply as the juxtaposition of fixed images (design visions versus material results), means changing the way projects are made. In addition, projects of streets are often assigned to experts from traffic departments, but in most cases, especially in urban areas, the project of a street is less a specialised matter than an issue that affects the architecture of the city in its multiple dimensions: the architectural design of three-dimensional space and ground, disputes over boundaries, values and ownership, the protection of historical and archaeological heritage, infrastructure and urban ecology, and much more.

Streets as Cosmos: Reassembling Economy, Infrastructure, Bureaucracy, and Civic Activism through Urban Design

The street is also the device that makes the construction of the city possible: because it is essentially an architecture that makes it possible to assemble problems and instances of a seemingly different nature in the design of a physical transformation of space. The street project is thus, in a synchronic sense, a cosmos, a tangled web of implications that produce different results depending on how the instances are ordered and hierarchised. Participants are invited to propose case studies of projects in which the interactions between the various sectors of urban design reveal contradictions and opportunities that can be brought back into the general discussion. To this end, it is highly recommended to propose maps or cosmograms (Tresch, 2007, Arènes 2022) of a street architecture project that make explicit the multidimensionality of the problems and competences involved in its realisation or transformation.

References:

Arènes, A. (2022), "Design at the Time of the Anthropocene: Reporting from the Critical Zone," Doctoral dissertation, University of Manchester, School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED), Department of Architecture.

Link to Full Dissertation

Latour, B. (2005), "From Realpolitik to Dingpolitik – An Introduction to Making Things Public," In B. Latour & P. Weibel, Making Things Public-Atmospheres of Democracy, catalogue of the show at ZKM, MIT Press, pp. 14-36.

Tresch, J. (2007), "Technological World-Pictures: Cosmic Things and Cosmograms." Isis, 98 (1), 84-94.

Track Chair

Darko Reba

One of the main functions of streets is socialization, as they are places where people spend time meeting and communicating with each other. However, traffic and cars often detract from this function, negatively impacting the life and livability of streets. There is a need to shift the paradigm where traffic engineers prioritize road space, leaving little room for pedestrians and social activities.

The goal of this work is to investigate and analyze urban and architectural elements and factors that contribute to people's activities on streets. Key reasons why people linger on streets include socialization, accessible ground floors, diverse programs and activities in street spaces, pleasant microclimates, presence of vegetation, water features, and more.

Particularly, streets in areas of cities built in the latter half of the 20th century have been primarily designed for car traffic. One of the main strategies for future city transformations should involve repurposing these streets to prioritize pedestrian and social activities in these districts.

Track Chair

Habib Melki

The sustainable preservation of historic streets entails a multidisciplinary approach aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing these cherished urban assets while mitigating their environmental impact. These streets serve as cultural and architectural treasures, embodying the essence and history of a community, thus underscoring the crucial need for their conservation.

A pivotal aspect of sustainable preservation involves restoring historic streets and infrastructure using eco-friendly materials and construction methods. Incorporating green technologies such as solar-powered street lighting and rainwater harvesting systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and bolster sustainability efforts.

Community engagement and education play pivotal roles in sustainable preservation endeavors. Involving residents and businesses in preservation initiatives fosters a sense of ownership and pride, ensuring sustained commitment. Moreover, educating the public about the historical significance of these streets and their relevance in sustainable urban planning fosters a broader appreciation for heritage conservation.

The sustainable preservation of historic streets embraces a comprehensive approach that safeguards cultural heritage while embracing eco-friendly practices and community involvement. The following sub-tracks can help address the unique challenges and opportunities associated with preserving historic streets while promoting sustainability:

1. Adoption of sustainable materials and construction techniques for retrofitting historic streets and buildings with energy-efficient technologies.

2. Development of sustainable tourism strategies tailored to historic areas.

3. Integration of historic streets into contemporary urban planning frameworks.

4. Implementation of sustainable infrastructure management solutions.

5. Formulation of heritage preservation policies and zoning regulations, coupled with incentives to encourage participation in preservation efforts.

6. Support for small businesses and cultural enterprises operating in historic districts.

7. Establishment of mechanisms for monitoring the conditions of historic streets and buildings to ensure their long-term preservation.

Track Chairs

Mitesh Dixit and Amber Bartosh

We are pleased to announce a call for papers for an interdisciplinary Conference Panel titled "Urban Tapestry: Exploring the Intersection of Supply Chains, Technology, and Urbanism." This call invites architects, urbanists, landscape architects, planners, and researchers in architectural technology to present diverse perspectives on how supply chains, resource extraction, and technological innovation influence urban environments.

The conference panel aims to investigate the intricate interplay between the supply chains underpinning urban life, the technological advancements propelling these processes, and the physical and socio-economic landscapes of cities. We encourage contributions that delve into how the extraction and utilization of materials such as lithium and cobalt for smart devices intertwine with urban planning and architectural fabric.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- The impact of global supply chains on urban architecture and design.

- Environmental and social ramifications of resource extraction for technological advancements within urban contexts.

- Case studies or theoretical explorations of sustainable urban development amidst supply chain dynamics.

- Analysis of labor, materials, and energy as pivotal elements shaping urban conditions.

We welcome papers offering innovative and research-based insights into these themes, aiming to enhance our understanding of the evolution and functioning of contemporary urban spaces.

This Conference Panel seeks to deepen comprehension of the intricate relationship between technological progress, resource management, and urban development. Your contributions will play a crucial role in fostering critical discourse to envision more resilient and sustainable urban futures. We eagerly anticipate receiving your submissions and the diverse perspectives they will contribute to this panel.

Track Chair

Mariko Takagi

In 2023, several climate disciplines recorded record-breaking events, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization. Notably, 2023 marked the warmest year on record, accompanied by rising greenhouse gas levels, increased sea surface temperatures leading to rising sea levels, and continued melting of sea ice in the Atlantic. These factors collectively contributed to extreme weather conditions worldwide.

In contrast to the daily variations in weather, climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather in specific geographical regions. It is evident that human activities have significantly altered the climate. Throughout history, regions with favorable climates have been preferred for human settlement, giving rise to metropolitan areas. The adage "Rome wasn't built in a day" underscores the centuries, if not millennia, it took for cities to develop. Urban planning and architecture have been tailored to the specific climatic conditions of their locations.

However, these climatic conditions are now rapidly and unpredictably changing. Cities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, exacerbated by their role as major contributors to pollution. Innovative ideas and concepts are urgently needed to address these challenges. Ideally, proposals for architecture, streets, and cities should not only mitigate climate impacts but also enhance the quality of life for citizens and reimagine the urban landscape.

Track Chair

Manfred Wacker

One of the primary functions of urban streets is facilitating the movement of people and goods. This function often conflicts with other urban street functions, particularly in densely populated areas. Limited urban space exacerbates these conflicts, leading to tensions between passenger and goods transportation, as well as among various modes of transportation. With the emergence of new transport modes, urban street mobility is becoming increasingly diverse, necessitating accommodation for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, cars, trucks, and micro-mobility modes. Some of these modes are provided through public sharing systems, and the advent of autonomous vehicles further complicates the landscape.

This track aims to address these conflicting requirements and find solutions. It explores the extent to which overlapping requirements and functions can be tolerated and whether separation is necessary. What will the streets of the future look like?

Papers in this track should focus on current and future urban street mobility, examining individual streets (urban spaces) or entire street networks. Contributions from various disciplines are welcome, including connectivity and accessibility studies, urban geography, urban design, individual perception studies, and discussions on street mobility.

Track Chairs

Kristine Samra

While streets are commonly acknowledged as vital components of urban infrastructure for connectivity, their potential as significant urban social spaces remains underexplored. This track aims to examine city streets as primary venues for social interactions, manifestations of various social behaviors, and environments conducive to fostering healthy social dynamics. Experts from diverse disciplines are invited to share their research and insights on transforming streets into shared public spaces that promote a sense of community, security, and comfort for both residents and visitors.

Potential sub-tracks suggested to frame and address this theme include:

- Exploring the social values embedded within city streets.

- Investigating how streets contribute to the quality of life for urban dwellers.

- Examining the role of streets in fostering or hindering connections among people.

- Going beyond the functional aspects of streets to explore their broader societal impacts.

- Analyzing city streets as platforms for political expression.

- Exploring the role of youth and culture in shaping street life dynamics.

By delving into these topics, this track seeks to shed light on the multifaceted nature of urban streets and their potential to serve as vibrant and inclusive social spaces within cities.

Track Chairs

Divna Penchikj and Frank Othengrafen

Neighborhood streets are the primary places where communities are built. They are where people pass daily, children play, neighbors meet, and local businesses offer their services. They serve as the front doors of homes, schools, shops, restaurants, parks, and playgrounds. However, streets also serve as venues for events, ranging from children's parades and neighborhood parties to actions aimed at improving living conditions and expressing community power. Consequently, the neighborhood street is the main "stage" of local activism.

Potential sub-themes that may emerge include:

- The neighborhood street as a space for building a community based on equal rights and responsibilities

- The role of the neighborhood street in fostering the healthy growth and development of children into responsible citizens

- The significance of the neighborhood street in providing visibility for seniors and creating safe spaces for their socialization

- The neighborhood street as an "art studio," supporting the creativity of young people

- The neighborhood street as a civic space for the expression of collective will

Through researching these topics, this track aims to understand urban public spaces as stages and backdrops for the vibrant and productive urban life of immediate neighbors within an urban environment.