John Burrell to participate in the 2025 IMCL Conference
John Burrell will be participating in the 2025 IMCL Conference “What is the architecture of the (LIVABLE) future?”. The unique peer-to-peer international conference of built environment researchers, professionals, municipal leaders, NGO heads, and other thought leaders will be held in Potsdam, Germany. The abstract for the conference reads:
“WHAT IS THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE (LIVABLE) FUTURE? Debates are raging on the valid "architecture of our time" -- but our focus will be on more concrete evidence for effective responses to the challenges of our time. What are successful strategies to frame and activate public space with building edges, and to connect the public to the private and semi-private? How can architecture promote health and well-being, both human and planetary? What are the lessons emerging from the sciences on cognitive architecture, neuroscience, neuroaesthetics, biophilia, nature-based solutions, evolutionary and self-organizing processes, cities as complex adaptive systems, and effective tools and strategies emerging from these findings?
Meanwhile, public demands are growing for a new architecture that integrates the richer qualities of history and nature, and the beauty of traditional designs. At the same time, proposals for "green" and futuristic" cities and buildings are facing new accusations of "greenwashing" and fantasy-based marketing. Built environment professionals -- and city leaders as a whole -- are called to engage in a "big rethink" about the architecture and urbanism of the future, and the assumptions that have guided, and perhaps limited, contemporary practice.
Among other pressing topics, the conference will critically examine the long-standing prohibition of “revival” architectures and their patterns, and their continued replacement with aggressively “modern” buildings and cities. What have been the consequences of the last century of this practice for human well-being, for ecology, and for the likely durability and sustainability of cities and towns into the future? Why are citizens across diverse political and demographic categories rising up to demand professional reforms? What are the alternatives ahead, including new vernacular architectures, traditional and Classical approaches, “generative” and computer-based design processes, and other innovative methodologies? We will explore and debate these and other issues of the urban future.”
John will be moderating a session entitled “Reforming the “Operating System for Growth” I: Codes, Systems, Economics” and discussing “Grey Land: A Long Campaign to utilise ‘Unseen Land’. He will also introduce speakers from California USA, The University of Hong Kong China, and Cobourg Canada, with subjects including “21st Century Town: a Regenerative System for Building Liveable, Human-Scaled Communities”.
A founder partner of Burrell Foley Fischer, John has specialist expertise in urban design, masterplanning, working with communities, and the imaginative re-use of historic buildings, streetscapes, and city spaces. He has been at the forefront of the movement to create a more intelligent and sustainable approach to Urban Design and Planning. His pioneering research work, designs and built projects demonstrate the importance of the reuse of brownfield sites, excellence in architectural and urban design and the importance of understanding people and communities.
John’s research has led to numerous publications and he has served on several advisory bodies. His paper ‘City Continuity, Community’ and projects presented at the 2017 International Making Cities Liveable Conference in New Mexico received the Honour Prize. He was subsequently invited to join the IMCL Board.