The Cluster for Sustainable Cities Resilient Communities Event, hosted in collaboration with the Sustainability and the Environment Theme, will be held on:

Monday 29th July 13:00-16:00 

In the Eldon Building Room 3.04

In this symposium, hosted by Professor Steve Fletcher (Theme Director, Environment and Sustainability) and Alessandro Melis (Professor of Architecture Innovation, Curator of the 2020 Italian Pavilion, Venice Biennale), eight experts on urban resilience will each give a short presentation outlining their current work in the field. This will be followed by a round table discussion, chaired by Oren Lieberman, Head of Portsmouth School of Architecture. After the round table discussion there will be opportunities for informal discussions over coffee and biscuits.

Setting the context

According to the World Health Organization, climate change, in addition to being the single main cause of migration on a global scale (IOM report, 2018), will also be the main cause of disease within the next thirty years (WHO, COP24 report, 2018).

Climate change is also putting a strain on the resilience of the global agricultural system, and the production of high quality foods needed to feed a growing population. Our suburban areas in particular are the places destined to absorb a force of impact that has never been experienced to date. Within twenty years our suburbs must be transformed into resilient communities, capable of responding positively to the current waves of social and environmental pressure.

Upping the political urgency

Whilst experts agree on the need for timely and targeted interventions in the suburbs, this urgency is not perceived by the majority of the public, or by politicians. It is necessary to establish clear, punchy communication that informs both clearly and effectively. Continuing in an established tradition, we propose the creation of a manifesto on resilient communities, to be shaped by this symposium, which will be taken forwards to the Italian pavilion of the 2020 Venice Biennale for global exposure and dissemination.

Book your Place

Attendees will include academics, postgraduate researchers, small businesses working in sustainability, local government and the steering committee of the Italian pavilion of the 2020 Venice Biennale. You can book your place on Eventbrite.