Exploring Street Experiments in High Density Urban Asia
Friday, 16 February, 2024
Exploring Street Experiments in High Density Urban Asia: Insights from Dr Caterina Villani's Seminar at the University of Amsterdam
On the 7th of February 2024, Dr Caterina Villani was featured on the Street Talk series, part of Claiming the Streets platform. Dr Villani's seminar, titled "Street Experiments in High Density Urban Asia: Experiences and Trajectories," was an insightful exploration into the dynamics of urban transformation, specifically focusing on street experiments in Hong Kong.
During the seminar, Dr Villani delved into the global dynamics surrounding street experiments and their implications for urban planning. Drawing upon analytical drawings produced by students of PLAN4005W Placemaking and Urban Design at CDIC, she provided tangible examples of street experiments in action. These experiments, aimed at reclaiming public spaces and fostering community engagement, were analysed within the broader context of urban planning frameworks in Hong Kong.
One of the highlights of the talk was Dr Villani's examination of the intricate interplay between stakeholders involved in street experiments. By sketching out four trajectories of street experiment development, she provided valuable insights into the evolving nature of urban interventions and the challenges they face.
The seminar concluded with a stimulating discussion on the potential for expanding the geographical scope of street experiments research. Dr Villani's expertise and research contributions were evident throughout the talk, drawing from her recent publications where she served as a lead author. Overall, Dr Caterina Villani's seminar provided a thought-provoking examination of street experiments in high-density urban environments. Her insights not only shed light on the specific context of Hong Kong but also offered valuable lessons for urban planners and researchers worldwide.
Links to the publications:
Caterina Villani, Gianni Talamini, Failed pedestrian street experiments in high-density urban Asia: A matter of policies?, Journal of Urban Mobility, Volume 4, 2023, 100069, ISSN 2667-0917, (opens in a new window)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urbmob.2023.100069
Villani, C., & Talamini, G. (2023). Making Vulnerability Invisible: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Use of Public Space in Hong Kong. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 0(0). (opens in a new window)https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X231205795
