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Foresight Future of Cities Project ‌

Credit: Daniel Chapma (CC)

  • Friday 19 - Saturday 21 June 2015
  • 3Sixty exhibition, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

Event details

The UK was one of the first modern societies to urbanise and subsequently de-urbanise. Cities, once perceived as a problem, are now recognised as the heart of the country’s social, cultural and economic life, and home to the vast majority of the UK’s population of 62 million people.

As we look ahead to the next 50 years, the future of the UK will be shaped by its cities. Anticipating change will be crucial to their success. By 2065 the UK population may rise by 25% to as much as 80.5 million making it one of the EU’s most populous countries. There is a great opportunity for them to evolve and reinvent themselves, fostering a better quality of life for their inhabitants.

Drawing on the work of the Foresight Future of Cities Project and the RIBA, this digital installation explores a visual history of the future to outline four of the UK’s key urban challenges over the coming decades. What do changing technologies, economics, demographics and lifestyles mean for our cities? How could emerging tools help future proof cities and their citizens? What might your city look like in 2065?

About the Foresight Future of Cities Project

The objective of the Future of Cities project is to create an evidence base that can be used to inform policy options. It also aims to influence practice at the local and city regional level while creating and supporting futures-based networks spanning policy-makers, academics and practitioners.

The Government Office for Science ensures that government policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking.

Credits

This installation has been created by the Government Office for Science.  It is part of the UK Government’s Foresight Future of Cities Project. Content is derived from The Future City exhibition, developed in partnership with and shown at RIBA in early 2015.

The views expressed do not represent policy of any government or organisation.

Curator

Nicholas Francis

Design

Michael Lenz, Draught Associates