Global Crises, Resilient Responses and Future Cities

The Urban Pivot: resilience in a time of global disruption captures a pivotal moment in the history of our cities. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a global pause, it did not spell the end of urban life but rather acted as a great accelerator, exposing deep-seated vulnerabilities and forcing a radical rethinking of how we design, manage, and inhabit urban spaces.

This book moves beyond a singular narrative to present a dynamic, global and local conversation. Through candid interviews and firsthand accounts from a diverse range of international and Chinese urban practitioners, it offers a unique comparative lens along with the changes of time. The contributions provide crucial insight into different governance models and reminds us to learn from a broader, global set of urban experiences.

Ultimately, this volume highlights the imperatives for fundamental shifts--from equitable access to housing, green space and resilient infrastructure to sustainable financing, flexible planning and system thinking--from academic discussions to actionable necessities. It is an essential invitation for planners, officials, and citizens to collaboratively build more humane, equitable, and resilient cities for the future.