WTPD Online Conference

Going Public: Spaces in our Communities

Thanks to all who made the 3rd World Town Planning Day Online Conference a success! With registrants from more than 18 countries, we had a great time learning about different aspects of public spaces around the world: from the transformation of Guayaquil, Equador to strategies to regenerate public space at Internet City Dubai. IFHP Member Ines Salpico presented as well on “Augmented Realities: Public Spaces are Online” and discussed the potential of internet technologies and tools to expand the understanding, use and experience of public spaces, while also serving as a resource to aid in the management, development and maintenance of these spaces.

In general, it was made clear the importance that public spaces have in centering active, inclusive communities where people feel a sense of belonging. But more creative ways of activating space, making them safe and engaging, and making them integral to various urban strategies are also needed – there were some interesting examples using art, story-telling and environmental design, as well as different ways of procuring the necessary resources to implement projects. The presentations and audio recordings are available online for conference participants and can be found here.

The potential of such online conferences continues to grow and it’s a great way to increase the accessibility of international knowledge-share and collaboration. Looking forward to next year and repeated cooperation with the conference’s partner organisations from around the world.