THEMATIC GROUPS
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- Parent Category: THEMATIC GROUPS
- Category: Planning and Complexity
20-22 April 2023, Manchester (UK) - The 21st meeting
Complex [Cognitive] Cities: Sensing, planning and design in urban transformations
We still have a few spaces left for the 21st AESOP Planning and Complexity thematic group conference, hence we are accepting a final round of abstracts until 23rd of January 2023
Planning and complexity engages with the plurality of the urban as a complex relational web of systems, processes and flows. The research field is an emergent combination of multiple and transdisciplinary perspectives attempting to analyse, understand, influence and design future trajectories of urban transformation using a complexity framework incorporating the temporal dimension. Complexity Theories of Cities (CTC) have incorporated a multitude of conceptual perspectives over time, including uncertainty, wicked problems, system dynamics, self-organisation, non-linearity, graph-based systems, emergence, path-dependency, transitions, coevolution, interdependencies, open systems, cognitive behaviour, adaptivity, soft and hard systems.
Today, societal transformations linked to technological change such as datafication, AI, automation and virtualisation, encapsulate new dimensions of potential risk and solution-oriented action, while suggesting the need for an updated CTC framework. In parallel, faced with catastrophic climate change and related undesirable sustainability outcomes, the ‘urban’ is seen as the site of influence, exacerbated impact and potential solution. Can engagement with complexity provide frameworks and approaches that have eluded us so far?
In 2012, the collection of papers in the publication titled “Complexity Theories of Cities Have Come of Age'' suggested that urban planning and design researchers had arrived at a moment in time that marked the convergence of a research field into a united understanding of the underlying theoretical frameworks. The complexity sciences have since continued to enrich urban planning and research conceptually and methodologically. Planning and design continue to draw from multiple areas in the complexity field by building on historic concepts such as economic complexity and associated ideas of equilibrium and the invisible hand, complexity in physics and mathematics with reference to the systems on the edge of chaos and non-linear systems, ideas of bottom-up organisation from the social-sciences and evolutionary perspectives from ecology through complex adaptive systems. The theories from different disciplinary areas have been conceptually and sometimes metaphorically incorporated into urban planning and design to understand and intervene within transformative urban processes.
Ten years later, we continue to acknowledge cities and processes of operating with and in them as examples of complexity. We know that urban systems and sub-systems are dynamic, temporal, emergent and cognitive, requiring interdisciplinary research frameworks. We utilise methodological approaches from complexity to understand urban phenomena and the organisational complexity of intervention within these complex (cognitive) systems. However, we have yet to bring the conversation back to the city and how core concepts of complexity might in turn be informed by research from the urban fields.
Conference Themes
- Foundations of Complexity: Unravelling key complexity concepts, their meaning, opportunities and barriers to use. Leading on to the ‘fundamental questions’: What are the useful connections between complexity, urban planning and design and what these fields can in turn contribute to complexity theories?
- Sensing Complexity: Exploration of new opportunities to utilise complexity perspectives based on new types of urban data and practice as part of the Digital Turn and the 4th Industrial Revolution (datafication, Smart Cities, digital exclusion, Big Data, IoT, AI, Machine Learning, automated data collection, data analytics). Methodological research exploring different perspectives and approaches in this context, including disciplinary transfer for measuring, describing and analysing complex phenomena and developing new data driven scenarios.
- Designing ‘in’ Complexity: Design can be speculative, communicative, solution oriented and value based. The list is longer, but the focus remains on changing the current towards more desirable futures. In urban planning and research, this ambition necessitates engagement with the complexity of existing systems, trajectories of change, implications of interventions and recognition of unknowns. We welcome experiments with complexity towards sustainable futures through approaches embracing adaptability, flexibility, conditions, pre-conditions and pathways. This event will have a special focus on an updated ‘design science’ approach, involving the development of computational tools to design and co-design alternative possibilities and test ex-ante performance based on identified values and societal goals. Alternative design approaches engaging with complexity are welcome towards a design debate.
- Planning and Complexity: Complexity theories in planning emphasise the need to open the planning process for unexpected crises (system disruptions) and unplanned incremental adaptations. The potential of complexity-related concepts (co-evolution, emergence, self-organisation, adaptive capacity) to improve decision-making in such uncertain contexts is not yet fully explored. We welcome empirical and conceptual studies related to: How are planners and public policy makers dealing with uncertainty in their daily practice? How do they explore potential futures and learn from such explorations? And what kind of skills and roles require more attention in navigating uncertainties in decision making processes?
Key Words/Concepts
Self-organisation, Emergence, CAS, Non-linearity, Adaptation, Anticipation, Cognition, Resilience, Evolution, Systems, Planning, Roles in Planning, Urban, Design, Scenarios, Smart, Data, IoT, Design Science.
Date and Location
20th, 21st and 22nd (half day) of April 2023
Manchester School of Architecture, Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester, UK
Paper Submission Requirements
Abstract submission deadline (extended): 23rd Jan 2023
The abstract should be 450-500 words (word or pdf format), with title, authors, affiliations, 5 key references, 5 key words and type of paper identified (conceptual, methodological and/or original research papers are welcome).
Outline paper deadline: 15th April 2023
The organisers are currently finalising a special issue with a leading academic journal. On this basis, the outline paper submissions will be a formal process using a conceptual, methodological or original research paper template (to be provided on abstract acceptance) related to a 3500 word submission prior to the event. We believe researchers from all levels of experience can engage with this opportunity for quality publication.
Keynotes/pre-lectures
The keynote speakers will be announced shortly (please see some prior keynote videos here: https://www.complexurban.com/video/)
Abstract acceptance will also mean you will be informed of two online events on key complexity theory areas prior to the event (a warm up).
Email Address for Abstracts
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- Parent Category: THEMATIC GROUPS
- Category: Planning Theories
In Year Two, the AESOP thematic group PLANNING THEORIES (PLURAL) continueS with a two-day online conference called
Beg, Steal, or Borrow
In 1972, The New Seekers landed second place in the Eurovision Song Contest with this title (https://hitparade.ch/song/The-New-Seekers/Beg,-Steal-Or-Borrow-231). They crooned about love, but we shall examine begging, stealing, and borrowing in the context of planning theories. Andreas Faludi already noticed that many planning theorists have an inclination for »comparisons and the transfer of experiences« (Planning Theory, 1973, pp. 9–10). Indeed, many planning theories beg, steal, or borrow from geography, sociology, economics, legal theory, political philosophy, gender studies, cultural theory, psychology, ethics, social policy, computer science, art theory, and other fields. We do not consider this transfer of knowledge from a moral perspective. Planning theorists add so much value to ideas from other fields that hardly a suspicion of plagiarism arises. We want to examine the transfer of knowledge to learn
- Which ideas from other fields inspire planning theories?
- Under what circumstances is the transfer successful or futile?
- What do planning theorists add to ideas from other fields that turns those ideas into valuable contents of planning theories?
Our online conference will be on 16th and 17st March, 2023.
Please let us know if you want to present a successful or futile transfer of ideas into planning theories at our online conference. Each presentation of a particular example of begging, stealing, or borrowing for planning theories will last 30 minutes maximum with 30 minutes discussion. If you want to present, please send your abstract with title (300 words) not later than 31st December, 2022, to
Please write to
We are looking forward to beg, steal, and borrow with you!
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- Parent Category: THEMATIC GROUPS
- Category: Transboundary Planning and Governance
Dear all,
As recently announced, we would like to establish the habit of meeting annually in December online, in addition to our TG meeting at the AESOP congress in July. This year’s meeting will take place on December 15th 16:00-17:30 (Central European Time) via Zoom.
Everybody is welcome to join and bring their ideas and suggestions!
You can join the meeting through this link: https://aalto.zoom.us/j/69189393809
The goal of the meeting is to discuss developments and events relevant for the TG members, such as the upcoming AESOP Congress or collaboration on project applications. We will share an agenda for the meeting in early December.
If you would like to add an item to the agenda, please contact me via email by November 30th (
Wishing you all a great autumn!
Eva & Alois
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- Parent Category: THEMATIC GROUPS
- Category: Public Spaces and Urban Cultures
Special Session "Resilient Public Spaces for Healthy Living" - 58th ISOCARP World Planning Congress, 5th October 2022, Bruxelles, Belgium
The International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) annual World Planning Congresses bring planners, urbanists, allied professionals in the building professions, and place-makers from all over the world together in inclusive dialogue to facilitate knowledge exchange.
The ISOCARP and the Brussels-Capital Region hosted the 58th World Planning Congress under the theme: "From Wealthy to Healthy Cities" through virtual and in-person presentations. The Virtual Congress was on 22-23 September 2022, and the in-person Congress took place from 3rd October to 6th October 2022 in Brussels, in the historic resorted venue which received the Europa Nostra Heritage award in 2021.
The Special Session "Resilient Public Spaces for Healthy Living" was co-organized by Prof. Dr. Sebnem Hoskara (Urban Research and Development Center, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus) and Dr. Luisa Bravo (City Space Architecture, Italy), both TG PSUC members. Dr. Ceren Sezer (RWTH Aachen University) holds the role of AESOP TG PSUC Representative.
Context/Background
Cities are made up of people and places, often experiencing rapid change. Planning for a resilient urban future requires tackling challenges and creating solutions place-based, integrated, inclusive, risk-aware, and forward-looking.
Sustainable Development Goal 11, with the title "sustainable cities and communities," is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The official mission of SDG 11 is to "make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable." According to SDG11 of the New Urban Agenda, by 2030, everyone - particularly women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities - will have access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green areas and public spaces.
Public spaces play an essential role in building resilience in cities. Public spaces are crucial for urban life to flourish. We need public spaces for good times and bad times. Public spaces represent an opportunity for comprehensive climate adaptation and improved resilience. According to Katherine Peinhardt of the German Development Institute, ‘to successfully work toward a resilient public realm, cities must evolve their practice relating to public spaces in four areas: the ways public spaces are subject to the outcomes of community engagement and how public spaces are designed, programmed, and managed. It is increasingly clear that the unique role of public spaces in civic life positions them to enhance physical resilience and support the types of interpersonal connections essential to addressing shared challenges like the climate crisis.’ Thus, as a vital part of a city’s physical infrastructure and public realm, public spaces can be physically reinforced to absorb or weather the climate crisis's shocks while contributing to the community's human health.
Short Description of the session
This special session included scholars/experts representing international organizations - AESOP, ISOCARP and CSA, sharing their experiences about ‘Resilient Public Spaces for Healthy Living’ from their perspectives. Accordingly, this special session intends to search for answers to the following - but not limited to - questions:
• What is the role of public space in creating resilient cities?
• Can public spaces be designed in such a way that they support better resilience and healthy living in cities?
• What is the role of resilient public spaces for healthy living?
• How can we promote resiliency and healthy living through public spaces?
• Can we create positive transformation and better resilience in cities through the good design of public spaces?
• Can public spaces provide networks of resilience through our cities?
Objectives of the session
• Initiating international discussing questions on the Resilient Public Spaces for Healthy Living.
• Understanding the potential of public spaces for healthy living.
• Understanding the role of resilient public spaces in the positive transformation of cities.
• Learning from successful & unsuccessful examples of public spaces.
Programme
Introduction to the theme | Prof.Dr. Şebnem Hoşkara, EMU URDC & CSA | Dr. Luisa Bravo, CSA
“Rethinking Public Space for Climate Resilience and Action at University Campuses” | Dr. Ceren Sezer, RWTH Aachen University & AESOP TG PSUC
“Towards Inclusive, Integrated and Resilient Public Spaces: The Narratives of Gulf Cities Enhancing Healthy Living” | Prof.Dr. Ali A. Alraouf, HBKU, Education City & International Society of City Planners (ISOCARP)
“Public Libraries: Public Spaces in Plain Sight” | Anna Weng Ian Au, Ph.D. Candidate, Vienna University of Technology & City Space
Architecture (CSA)
Q & A / Discussion session
Final remarks
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- Parent Category: THEMATIC GROUPS
- Category: Public Spaces and Urban Cultures
Prof. Dr. Sabine Knierbein (TU Wien, Austria) and Dr. Stefania Ragozino (CNR-IRISS, Italy) are editing the special issue "Social Change and Everyday Life in the Spatial Arts" of Architecture (ISSN 2673-8945)
The Call - Architecture, landscape planning and urban design, like many other disciplines pertaining to the spatial arts, have witnessed a decade of unsettling events: the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the global insurgent movement of 2011, the refugee crisis (since 2015), new authoritarian state leadership (since 2016), climate crisis protests (since 2018), the COVID-19 pandemic (since 2019/20), and now, the political and civic upheaval of undemocratic and democratic character in many cities and countries worldwide, including a new aggressive war in the Northern hemisphere. While the city and the urban public realm are considered key arenas to overcome these bifurcations, the potential of deep critique and the social, cultural, and political theorization of everyday life and of lived space to decipher the complexities, ambivalences and deep potentialities of social change have not yet been unlocked in the field of architecture and planning, in terms of theory and praxis. This Special Issue aims to address key concerns to realign architecture theory, planning theory, and deeper conceptual insights on everyday life and lived space to begin deciphering massive shifts in contemporary everyday life, particularly with regard to the social, cultural and political dimensions of the built environment. It invites international contributions which seek to critically reflect or overcome Eurocentric or Anglocentric perspectives, and invites contributions theorizing on the manifold relations between urban life and urban form, their politics, cultures and social aspects, in close relation to intersectional empirical field research on public spaces, urban cultures and everyday life in the fields of architecture, planning and urban design.
Schedule and APCs
Deadline for abstract submission: 30 October 2022 only for TG PSUC members and AESOP Track#2 CULTURE participants we aim at exemption from Article Procession Charges (APCs).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024
- Call for Expressions of Interest to host the TG PSUC's Meetings 2022-2024 "Public Spaces, Urban Cultures and Constructing Peace"
- TG Transboundary Planning and Governance: New name and new coordination team!
- CALL FOR NEW COORDINATORS - Thematic Group on Ethics, Values and Planning (Deadline: September 25, 2022)
- AESOP Thematic Group Public Spaces and Urban Cultures at the Tartu Congress 2022. Activities of the TG and the TG’s members during congress
