The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has announced the full program for the 2024 Living Cities Forum, featuring an expanded lineup of influential international speakers. The forum, taking place in both Melbourne and Sydney, will be headlined by renowned figures such as Nathalie de Vries (co-founder of Dutch architectural firm, MVRDV) andh Professor Lesley Lokko OBE (founder of the African Futures Institute and curator of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023), alongside several other global thought leaders in architecture, urbanism, and design.

Scheduled for September 18th in Melbourne and September 20th in Sydney, the 2024 edition of the forum will focus on the theme of ‘Common Interests.’ The event will explore innovative solutions for shaping the future of public spaces, an increasingly urgent topic as Melbourne and Sydney continue to grow towards becoming megacities by 2050.

MVRDV is known for its cutting-edge architectural designs that have redefined urban environments. Nathalie de Vries is recognised for her focus on societal relevance and innovative approaches to architecture and urbanism. Her work, spanning several decades, has transformed urban landscapes worldwide. As she puts it, she is driven by “the urgent need for more multiplicity in design” to ensure future-proof architecture.

Joining De Vries is Professor Lesley Lokko OBE, a Ghanaian-Scottish academic, educator and curator who was recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024. Lokko is the founder of the African Futures Institute and curator of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023. Her work spans architecture, literature and education, with a focus on exploring race, culture and architecture. 

Related: Tosin Oshinowo and architecture in the Global South

Other prominent speakers include Martí Franch from Spain, a landscape architect known for transforming neglected urban areas into multifunctional public spaces through low-cost green infrastructure. Catherine d’Ignazio from the US, a scholar and coder, will contribute her expertise in feminist technology and inclusive open spaces, while Jill Desimini, also from the US, will address the design of vacant lots and residual spaces as public amenities in the face of climate change. Lastly, Kenyan architect Kabage Karanja, co-founder of Cave Bureau, will delve into architecture’s relationship with urbanism, nature and culture​.

Moderated by Program Director Andrew Mackenzie, this day-long event offers a platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue, bringing together professionals from architecture, urban design and related fields. Attendees can expect a rich exchange of relevant and critical ideas aimed at transforming cities and improving the public realm.

Presented by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, the Living Cities Forum is a key event for anyone invested in the future of urban spaces. Tickets are priced at $250, with concessions available for $225. 

Living Cities Forum
livingcitiesforum.org​

Tokyo-based Hiroshi Nakamura in profile