For many years leaving the countryside to move to urban areas was in itself a challenge. The unknown that the city unveiled and the mystery in all the hidden corners was, as it is today, a free ride tour. The development of cities and all they encompass face never ending challenges with every generation striving for happiness. The latest United Nations report states that by 2050, two out of every three people are likely to be living in cities – the economic, social and environmental calls rely also on humankind’s ability to reimagine the city. The city, which Miéville describes as “endlessly kind of fecund and inspiring” since “to a certain cast of mind, which many of us have, many of us who live in a big city, our surroundings intrude on our lives” (2014) is the central locus of a plethora of challenges such as peace vs war, of the man vs machine, or the greatest challenge of all, urban surviving.

From smart cities to megalopolises, gateway cities to anchor cities or factory cities to green cities, real cities to imaginary cities, this conference aims at approaching the challenges that all of them pose and face. Literature, the visual arts together with the theoretical flow of thought offer multiple possibilities to discuss the prospects of more responsible and fairer cities. Challenges for a better life as far as sustainability is concerned, regarding education and new technologies, freedom and equality, and new approaches to what new cities can teach us. As in Bansky’s words “Imagine a city where graffiti wasn’t illegal, a city where everybody could draw whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall – it’s wet.” (2005).

Our cities, all across the world, pulse with endless challenges and infinite possibilities. We propose the analysis of the numerous challenges that set the pace of streets and cities of the past, the present and the future. A reflection of how cities are being redefined and renewed, cities in which, like in H.G. Wells words “We should strive to welcome change and challenges, because they are what help us grow.” (1912).

We welcome papers, pre-organised panels, and roundtables (20 minutes per speaker) in English or Portuguese responding to the above.

Suggested (merely indicative) topics include:

1. Cultural Challenges in the Street and the City
2. The visual arts: Challenges in the Street and the City
3. Literary Challenges in the Street and the City
4. Architectural Challenges in the Street and the City
5. Landscape Challenges in the Street and the City
6. Political Challenges in the Street and the City
7. Human flows: Challenges in the Street and the City
8. Touristic Challenges in the Street and the City
9. Soundscape Challenges in the Street and the City
10. Gender Challenges in the Street and the City
11. Sustainability Challenges the Street and the City
12. Digital Challenges in the Street and the City

As indicated by the number in its title, this conference is the fifth in a series of academic events based at CEAUL/ULICES

Submissions should be sent by email to: thestreetandthecity@gmail.com