The Century of Cities

Greg Clark & Jennifer Dolynchuk
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The Century of Cities

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.

  1. Alfonso Vergara - Unlocking Urban Potential with Visionary Tools

    4 DAYS AGO

    Alfonso Vergara - Unlocking Urban Potential with Visionary Tools

    Alfonso Vegara, founder and honorary president of Fundación Metropoli and a global leader in urban and regional planning, joins The Century of Cities to share groundbreaking concepts like urban acupuncture, territorial diamonds, and polycentric cities shaping urban development's future. From Spain’s urban transformation post-dictatorship to pioneering sustainable projects in Latin America, Asia, and beyond, Alfonso highlights the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovative planning tools. He also discusses how cities can leverage their unique "components of excellence" to unlock opportunities and foster resilience. With his visionary approach, Alfonso inspires us to think beyond traditional boundaries to create economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable cities.

    37 min
  2. Bárbara Pons Giner - Managing Barcelona’s Global Success and Local Challenges

    5 DAYS AGO

    Bárbara Pons Giner - Managing Barcelona’s Global Success and Local Challenges

    The Century of Cities welcomes Bárbara Pons Giner, CEO of Barcelona Regional and Commissioner of Strategic Projects and the 2030 Agenda of the Barcelona City Council. She takes us through Barcelona’s transformation from its pre-Olympic era to its future as a global leader in urban innovation. A city with a long history of pioneering urbanism, Barcelona is now facing the challenges of balancing its international appeal with local needs. Barbara shares how the city is tackling over-tourism, housing inequality, and climate change while leveraging its assets, like compact design and a vibrant civil society, to pave the way for a sustainable future. With initiatives like the superblock plan and metropolitan development strategies, Barcelona exemplifies how long-term vision and immediate action can coexist to create cities that thrive for generations.

    31 min
  3. Geerte Udo - Amsterdam’s Path to Livability and Sustainable Growth

    6 DAYS AGO

    Geerte Udo - Amsterdam’s Path to Livability and Sustainable Growth

    In this episode of The Century of Cities, Geerte Udo, former CEO of amsterdam&partners, shares her insights on Amsterdam’s evolution and the challenges of creating a livable, lovable, and prosperous city. From the struggles of the 1980s to today’s strategic focus on quality over quantity, Geerte explains how Amsterdam transitioned from a struggling urban center to a thriving, innovative metropolis. She passionately advocates for integrated planning, community-driven visions, and creating cities that inspire through their identity and inclusivity. With her extensive experience in city branding and development, Geerte emphasizes the importance of leveraging a city's unique identity to drive sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

    28 min
  4. Idoia Postigo - Bilbao’s Transformation and the Future of Cities

    JAN 23

    Idoia Postigo - Bilbao’s Transformation and the Future of Cities

    Idoia Postigo, Director General of Bilbao Metropoli-30, joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. Idoia takes us through Bilbao’s remarkable transformation. From the industrial collapse and environmental degradation of the 1980s to the city’s innovative and collaborative revitalization, she provides an insider’s perspective on the bold strategies that helped Bilbao rise again. Drawing on lessons from Bilbao’s regeneration, she emphasizes the need for collective dreaming, critical optimism, and a reimagining of urban values. Discover how public-private partnerships, strategic planning, and a shared vision have turned this Basque city into a global example of urban reinvention.

    26 min
  5. Matti Bunzl - Vienna’s Cultural Renaissance and Global Future

    JAN 22

    Matti Bunzl - Vienna’s Cultural Renaissance and Global Future

    The Century of Cities welcomes Matti Bunzl, an author, anthropologist, and Director of the Wien Museum. Vienna’s story is one of dramatic contrasts; once a global cultural powerhouse, it faced decline after two world wars. It hit a low point in 1980 with a dwindling population and limited vibrancy. Matti sheds light on how Vienna reversed its fortunes, transforming into a magnet for international talent through its arts, education, and unique cultural identity. Today, the city boasts a thriving, diverse art scene and is a hub of creativity and innovation. Looking ahead to 2080, Matti shares a compelling vision for Vienna’s future. He discusses the challenges of migration, education, and urban planning while highlighting the city’s strengths in culture, diplomacy, and historical legacy.

    18 min
  6. Jorn Verbeeck - Global Lessons on Leadership and City DNA

    JAN 21

    Jorn Verbeeck - Global Lessons on Leadership and City DNA

    In this episode of The Century of Cities, we speak with Jorn Verbeeck, a global sustainability consultant with over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors. Jorn’s journey, from his early days as a journalist to advising the city of Antwerp and tackling global sustainability challenges, offers a unique look at the evolution of urban spaces. Jorn explores how cities like Barcelona and Copenhagen have reshaped themselves, why distributed leadership is critical for long-term urban success, and how the “messy middle” of sustainability connects ambition to action.

    24 min
  7. Susan Goeransson - Financing the Future of Green Cities

    JAN 20

    Susan Goeransson - Financing the Future of Green Cities

    Susan Goeransson, a renowned municipal finance expert and former leader at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. Susan shares her remarkable 30-year journey of driving change in urban infrastructure across Central and Eastern Europe, transforming cities through innovative municipal finance and green investment programs. From the challenges of post-Soviet urbanization to the game-changing Green Cities initiative, Susan reflects on reform-driven mayors, actionable funding strategies and the critical role of cities in addressing climate change, fostering social impact, and improving municipal services.

    24 min
  8. André Sobczak - Driving Urban Transformation Through Eurocities

    JAN 19

    André Sobczak - Driving Urban Transformation Through Eurocities

    The Century of the Cities welcomes André Sobczak, the Secretary General of Eurocities, the leading network of over 200 European cities. André shares a compelling story of urban evolution, from the formation of Eurocities in the 1980s to the pivotal role cities now play in tackling climate change, social inclusion, and housing crises. Discover how European mayors are shaping the future through collaboration, resilience, and governance reform, ensuring urban areas remain vibrant and sustainable hubs of innovation. André also reflects on the leadership qualities necessary for urban transformation, the importance of connecting local and supranational governance, and his optimistic vision for cities in 2080.

    31 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Clark & Jennifer Dolynchuk
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Century of Cities

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