On Monday 23^rd March 2015 ULI Young Leaders gathered at the monthly Lunch & Learn led by visiting professor Dr. Aseem Inam to question what transformation means across urbanism and cities. The presentation and discussion, which was held at AECOM, repositioned traditional notions of what is urbanism to a more adaptive position of what can urbanism be. Inam proposed considering cities in flux rather than as static objects and placing a greater emphasis on the consequence of design rather than solely the intention. By recognizing and learning from our mistakes in previous projects we are able to address them moving forward.

Comparisons were made from Cairo to Los Angeles, evaluating the concept of sustainability and the objectivity of project success. Inam discussed the political impact often overlooked but extremely influential in the design and implementation of urban strategies, as well as the socio-economic influences such transformation has. This topic was especially pertinent, as London’s own current growth was discussed with concerns raised on housing development, urban density and maintaining the city’s international and diverse character. This presentation was reflective of Dr. Aseem Inam’s new book, “Designing Urban Transformation”, which further delves into the questions of how we perceive urbanism.

Words by Sarena Ehrlich.