Paul Chatterton: The social city.

In the newest episode of the A is for Architecture Podcast, Paul Chatterton, Professor of Urban Futures at the University of Leeds, discusses parts of his quite recent book Unlocking Sustainable Cities: A Manifesto for Real Change (2019), published by Pluto Press. 

In the book, Paul argues against the contemporary city as is, suggesting instead that whilst they are presented as ever-improving hybrid spaces of choice and identity, of the authentic self, lived independently of the strictures of family, tradition, culture and obligation – after all, aren’t we all moving there now? –in fact foster individualism, status anxiety and an erosion of compassion.

In contrast to this, Paul proposes a transformative approach to urban sustainability through four key city systems—transport, energy, nature, and community—framed by five themes: compassion, imagination, experimentation, co-production and transformation. These counter-measures, Paul suggests, will get us closer to the sustainable, social city.

Paul can be found at work and on LinkedIn. The book is linked above.

#UnlockingSustainableCities #PaulChatterton #UrbanFutures #SustainableCities #RealUrbanChange #JustTransition #EcoUrbanism #RightToTheCity  #PostCapitalistCity #ArchitecturePodcast #AisforArchitecture

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Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick