The City of Tomorrow

Brexit. “Make America Great Again.” Backlash against open-door policies for refugees. Instead of cooperation between and among people with different backgrounds, we are seeing increasing division and fear. How can some of the most controversial events and divisive public policies be addressed? More livable cities may be the answer.The environment we live in, the buildings we occupy, the land we use – all greatly impact our biology and psychology, and can determine our social and economic status. Greater access to public space, for example, promotes integration of residents and positively influences their sense of security and livability of an environment. If viable solutions start at the city level, we can look to places like Copenhagen as a model utopia: easy access to social services, modes of transportation, resources and most of all, trust in one another. What role does the design of a city play in overcoming the rising inequalities we witness today? What challenges prevent cities in the US and others around the world from becoming the Copenhagen of tomorrow? What makes a city “livable” and how would societies around the world be different if livability was prioritized? Program: 6:30 - 7:30 PM Meet-and-Greet: 7:30 - 8:00 PM SPEAKER: Blaine Merker [http://www.worldaffairs.org/event-calendar/speaker-directory/blaine-merker] Director, Team Lead, Gehl Members of World Affairs: To receive member prices, please log in on our website. [http://www.worldaffairs.org/events/event/1707#.WMxuhVUrIdU]