Symposium scope & themes
Understanding the intersectional and complex challenges of shaping sustainable, equitable, and resilient cities, the Urban Futures Symposium focuses on key urban system domains—such as energy, mobility, built environments, resource efficiency, and ecology—and explores them through critical cross-cutting lenses, including technology, economy, policy and governance, society, and resilience. These domains represent the foundational systems that drive urban sustainability, while the lenses provide the perspectives needed to address their interconnected challenges holistically.
The interplay between these domains and lenses highlights the importance of integrated thinking—where solutions in one area, such as energy, must be informed by considerations of equity, governance, and technology. By combining theoretical advancements with practical applications, the symposium aims to bridge the gap between research and implementation, ensuring a tangible impact on urban systems transformation.
We encourage submissions that present interdisciplinary approaches, innovative methodologies, and actionable solutions. Examples might include research on smart grid applications for decentralized energy systems, policies for advancing circular economies, or case studies showcasing resilient urban infrastructure adapted to climate risks. From conceptual frameworks and case studies to cutting-edge research and technological demonstrations, all contributions are welcomed to foster discussions and collaborations at the forefront of urban systems transformation.