Celia Choong
Senior Marketing Consultant,Singapore
A new thought leadership series has been launched in Arup’s Melbourne office. Shaping our City is a forum for open debate and discussion around the future of our built environment.
On Thursday 21 February, Arup invited five prominent thinkers and doers to participate in a panel discussion. Andrew Wisdom, Director of Distilled Wisdom, set the scene with his presentation on cities as systems.
“Cities are complex beasts. We need to make sure that we are very clear on what we are ultimately trying to achieve through the systems and processes and organisations we use to manage and shape them. If we get this right, then our efforts will resonate with a broad range of people, will transcend the political cycle and will have a greater chance of success.
- Andrew Wisdom
The panel was moderated by Narelle Hooper, Former Editor of Financial Review’s BOSS Magazine. Each panellist was invited to speak about their specialist area and the impact each one has on shaping of our cities.
The panel included the following participants:Professor Billie Giles-Corti – Director, McCaughey VicHealth Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, University of Melbourne who focused on health and wellbeing.David Hodge – Executive Director, Planning, Building and Heritage Reform, Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) who focused on connectivity.Peter Bowtell – Building Practice Leader – for Australasia, Arup who focused on the built environment.
“We each need to own the discussion about the future of our cities. It is clear that the time is right for us all to have a part in setting the future of our urban environment. We need community leaders who are prepared to articulate the important systemic changes that will add value to our future cities in a sustainable way.
- Peter Bowtell
After the panellists presented their thoughts in five minute soundbites, Narelle Hooper opened the floor for comments amongst the invited audience and active debate ensued.
To hear audio clips from the evening, or to contribute to the discussion, please visit the official website.
The next series of Shaping our City is planned for September. Please contact Monica Hatcher at [email protected] if you have any suggestions on speakers and/or if you would like to attend.