Session 7 / London Live Program: The New Trajectory of Urban Growth & Connectivity
17 November 2020
UTC: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
As the planet becomes increasingly urban, it has become close to a received notion that cities will continue to densify and build upwards, concentrating more people in a smaller area. But the arrival of a global pandemic that relies on proximity to spread has caused many to question this notion. If a socially distanced society becomes a priority, how can the enormous investments cities make in transportation and building infrastructure be put to appropriate use? Fixed assets such as highways and metro networks are not easily altered, and a return to the sprawling development patterns of the late 20th century is not a sustainable proposition. Hear from the people who are charting the new patterns of urban growth in the post-crisis city.

Session Chair: Annelie Kvick Thompson
Partner Transport, Grimshaw Architects, LondonJames Bircumshaw
Infrastructure Manager, Skyports, London
Josep Bohigas
CEO, Barcelona Regional, Barcelona
Stuart Baillie
Head of Planning, Knight Frank, London