Built Environment Symposium

Cities are the centres of modern people s lives. Consequently, they are subject to continual change. For decades, city development has focused on the constant increase of the population and thus on factors which made our cities grow. Today, the phenomenon of shrinking cities and the question of how to deal with the space, the infrastructure and the people there are becoming more relevant.

Based on European and US examples, the Alpbach Built Environment Symposium will discuss the two phenomena of growing and shrinking cities: What are the risks and opportunities of growing and shrinking cities? Which framework is necessary for the development of a city and its surroundings? Who is entitled to use the (regained) public space, and how do we deal with historical cities? Which instruments does politics require in order to meet the needs of growing and shrinking cities?

Experts from the areas of planning, research, architecture and politics will discuss these questions and share their ideas concerning the development of our cities. Additionally, a Science Slam will provide young scientists with an opportunity to present their concepts for a sustainable city.