In the field of urban studies, congestion usually signals packed streets with idle cars slowing down, seemingly reducing the conversation to one of inadequate traffic management or outdated road infrastructure. While for the city the problem of urban congestion always remains a core pragmatic concern whether in terms of air pollution, infrastructure maintenance or physiological impact, could a different and deeper reading of the concept lead to different cultural narratives and urban imaginaries? If thinking about congestion often conjures deeply-seated modernist reflexes (still hard to dislodge despite the failed urban legacies from which they stem), can thinking through congestion teach us something new about how to interpret the future metropolis? Simply put, what can the problem reveal about the problem-space itself? 

During the conference various experts will share their insights and use the topic of urban congestion as a starting point to look at the city through various unexpected lenses – digital, institutional, ecological – and speculate on the new potential that these perspectives offer for an expanded definition of urban design practice.

Partner

The event is proudly co-organised with ArtRebels as part of a global initiative exploring a better future for mobility.

Speakers

Nicolay Boyadjiev — Architect, Faculty and Programme design  tutor of The Terraforming programme at Strelka Institute

Natalia Shavkunova — Spatial Research Consultant, Strelka Institute 2015’ alum

Paul van Herk — Architect, Strelka Institute 2018’ alum

Antonia Burchard-Levine — Urban Development Researcher, Strelka Institute 2019’ alum

Christopher Zegras — Professor of Transportation and Urban Planning at MIT

Michael Batty — Bartlett Professor of Planning at University College London

Alan Penn — Founding Director of Space Syntax Ltd

Rob Adams — Director of City Design at City of Melbourne

Christian Griffith — Strategic Transport Planner & Director at GTA consultants