Could a network of regulatory experimentation labs in cities build legitimacy and shape inclusive innovation toward a great transition? The societal crises of ecological collapse and inequality require bold collective action. Yet the foundations of collective action are shaking; trust in government and institutions has eroded. It is at the scale of cities and communities […]
Learn moreThis is a transformative moment for cities in Canada Cities are the wellspring of solutions Cities are increasingly the home of humanity, heralding the Urbanocene Epoch. According to the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, globally, cities consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, […]
Learn moreOn the occasion of the inaugural Future Cities Summit, we are sharing this provocation. At the Summit we have heard multifaceted perspectives on the great transition that our cities are facing, from addressing the challenges of the future of work, inequality, planning, affordability, climate change, resilience and next generation governance to name but a few. […]
Learn moreAs noted by Daniel Araya in Smart Cities as Democratic Ecologies, smart cities are “living habitats capable of adapting to the emerging needs of citizens and residents.” (2015). To enable these habitats, we need to build a culture of collaboration across sectors and between cities. From challenges and organizations to articles and videos, this list […]
Learn moreOne of the central concepts in Cities for People is the city as a commons, read Alex Gillis’ article about sharing money resources and power. “Let’s go beyond the idea of the sharing economy, to explore approaches that are more cultural than commercial, more political than economic, and that are rooted in the broad understanding […]
Learn moreBoston is home to cutting-edge initiatives in social entrepreneurship (EforAll, the MassChallenge); neighbourhood revitalization and civic innovation (The Mayorcategorys Office of New Urban Mechanics, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, Roxbury Innovation Center); and youth engagement and social innovation (YouthBuild, DesignX-MIT and Mission Hill School). The city also inspires practitioners who have done extensive research in sustainability, smart cities and inclusion. Boston is not only an innovation hub, it is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States. From the historic streets of nearby Cambridge to the artistic Victorian town houses of Black Bay, the city suits a variety of lifestyles.
Learn moreThere is an emerging movement connecting childrencategorys well-being with city well-being and rethinking urban design from child-centered design. In line with this movement, the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation opened space to explore the potential of a Kids and Place Lab in Canada.
Learn moreIn this discovery phase of Cities for People, the Foundation and its partners sought to identify new ideas and promising approaches to city-building. A group of curators identified projects to support and frame the initiative’s four themes, built innovation networks, connected the themes with each other and explored approaches to accelerating innovation within the urban […]
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