According to the United Nations, today 55% of the world population live in urban areas, of which some 37% live within 100 km of a coast. As urbanisation in these coastal areas and port cities continues, natural ecosystems are ‘paved over or converted into ports, tourist beaches, and new communities’. The conference explores how ports, cities and regions in Europe respond to imminent urgent societal issues such as the energy transition, climate adaptation, new technologies, transformations of work conditions and what this means for spatial development in these port cities.
During the conference, we will explore how ports, cities, and regions interact as they evolve side-by-side given the limited space available. Historically, ports and cities have engaged with major urban and regional transformations before. It is this interconnectivity between port and city which will continue to play a role in the future. We argue that a common port city culture and shared values can help resolve contemporary spatial challenges for ports, cities and their regions.
To set forward a long-term research agenda, Port City Futures brings port, city and regional stakeholders together with scientists from various European port cities compare their experiences with Rotterdam. During the conference we will share knowledge, learn from past experiences, recognize common contemporary problems and create future perspectives. At the end of the conference we will have identified research themes and questions which seek to identify, connect and involve key stakeholders. This serves as a starting point for building frameworks which will allow for a better understanding of political, economic, social and cultural dimensions and how this translates into spatial port city planning policies.
Participation is free, but registration is required. Your timely registration for the conference is highly appreciated. Please note that there is a port tour on 17 December and participation is only possible after registration.
A preliminary schedule and further information on registration can be found at: http://conference.portcityfutures.org