Carlo Ratti: Rethinking Urban Life Through Nature, Technology, and AI
In this episode of The Century of the Cities, Carlo Ratti, Architect, Engineer, MIT professor, and Director of the Senseable City Lab, joins us to explore how data, design, and emerging technologies are reshaping urban life. Carlo reflects on the rise of the "big boom cities" and discusses how urbanization has evolved, from the moment global population tipped into majority-urban to today's era of shrinking populations, climate pressure, and the need for smarter, more adaptive cities. Carlo explains how real-time data, AI, and interdisciplinary research are transforming how we understand cities. He argues that the greatest breakthroughs will come from forging a new alliance between the natural and the artificial, and from embracing open, iterative, trial-and-error innovation.
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20:02
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20:02
Sally Capp: Leadership, Livability, and the Future of Melbourne
Sally Capp, former Lord Mayor of Melbourne and management consultant, joins us on the Century of Cities to reflect on leadership, livability, and the transformation of cities through vision and action. As the first woman directly elected as Lord Mayor, Sally led Melbourne through one of its most defining chapters, the pandemic, while championing inclusion, innovation, and community connection. She shares lessons from her time in office on how to build vibrant, people-centred cities, the importance of independent leadership, and the power of focusing on what can be done rather than what can't. Sally envisions cities that are dynamic, sustainable, and deeply human places that inspire a sense of belonging, pride, and purpose for all who call them home.
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22:24
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22:24
Enrique Peñalosa: Building Cities for Equality and Happiness
The Century of Cities welcomes Enrique Peñalosa, globally recognized urban visionary and two-time mayor of Bogotá. Known for transforming Colombia's capital through public transit, parks, libraries, and bike infrastructure, Enrique shares his belief that cities are among our most powerful tools for equality and happiness. He reflects on how thoughtful design can bridge social divides, not only through taxation or policy, but by creating public spaces where people meet as equals. Enrique calls on future urban leaders to build cities that nurture dignity, interaction, and joy, especially as rapidly growing regions like Africa and India continue to urbanize. His vision is of cities that are inclusive, democratic, and fertile grounds for human potential, places where everyone, regardless of income, can thrive.
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27:23
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27:23
Helle Søholt: Rethinking Architecture as a Catalyst for Change
In this episode of The Century of Cities, we welcome Helle Søholt, founding partner and CEO of Gehl. Helle explores how cities can evolve from designed objects into living systems that foster connection, equity, and resilience. She shares how her people-first approach champions urban environments shaped by culture, community, and care. Reflecting on the architect's evolving role as a facilitator of social and environmental change, Helle offers a compelling vision for a new urbanism that is circular, inclusive, and deeply human.
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29:36
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29:36
Maria Vassilakou: Leading the Livable City Revolution
Maria Vassilakou, internationally recognized urban transformation expert and former Vice Mayor of Vienna, joins The Century of Cities. Drawing on her decade of leadership in Vienna, Maria explores how cities can balance livability, affordability, and sustainability while safeguarding democracy itself. From reimagining housing as a human right to redefining livability through a child's eyes, Maria shares an inspiring vision of cities designed for every generation. She reflects on the crossroads we now face, between inclusive, decarbonized, and democratic urban futures or divided "bubble cities" defined by inequality and disconnection. Through stories of community innovation, social housing, and small-scale empowerment, Maria reminds us that transformation begins with leadership, and sometimes, with just 40 people moving together in the same direction.
Welcome to The Century of Cities, a captivating journey fueled by curiosity into humanity's most profound transformation: urban evolution. By 2100, 10 billion people will live in over 10,000 cities. What shape will that world take? This 100-episode series explores the forces driving this shift through illuminating interviews and compelling stories, revealing how cities can lead us toward a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.
New Zealand