Today, the societies, cultures, and the places in which we live and work are increasingly intricate phenomena. Globalization eradicates spatial boundaries to business; gentrification involves social and political pressure; pandemics are never site specific or confined to the past. Architecture and urban design are global endeavors; sustainability requires material and political action; and patterns of criminality are not placed bound. Similarly, the need for education and housing are universal; and land rights are essential legal tools for First Nations and communities everywhere.

Within this mode of thinking, when we discuss sustainability we must consider local planning and global politics. When we speak about smart cities, we are obliged to consider cyber security and civil rights. When we discuss law and human rights, we cannot ignore economic or social policy. Equally, when we think about food production and consumption, we must consider transportation costs, public health, and more.

–

In reading livability as an aggregate of forces, this conference does not see ‘the city’ as primarily a physical and designed entity. On the contrary, it posits ‘the livable city’ as a ‘construct’ involving a plethora of agendas and disciplines.

As an inherently interdisciplinary conference, Livable Cities – London explores cities as a material and immaterial question – as an interplay of forces including, but not limited to: politics, sociological trends, cultural tendencies, media representations, economic policy, design and planning methods, the provision of public services, and more.

By juxtaposing, comparing and sharing work in various fields, it is expected that a broader and richer picture will emerge regarding what makes the places we inhabit more, or less, livable.