SYNOPSIS

Public pedestrian space is the essence of a city; allocating and managing it is a matter of deliberate policy. Similarly, there is not a “natural” level of car use; it is a political decision how much space will be allotted to cars and how much cars will be used, as well as how infrastructure for other modes of transport, such as trains, buses, and bicycles are developed. Getting transport planning priorities right, along with other investment in quality public space, is key to a city’s sustainable development, quality of life, competitiveness and social justice, all of which are complementary goals. With the right policies and leadership, Chinese cities can become the world’s best; different and better than any existing cities.

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a young city, with 7 million inhabitants, and its experiments are relevant to many Chinese cities. Hong Kong is already a world city and a leader in many areas, but lessons learned worldwide regarding quality of life, public space, pedestrian facilities, and vehicle restrictions all have strong local relevance, especially as regards the translation of vision and priorities into policies and concrete actions.

At the conclusion of 10 days in China, Enrique Peñalosa, former mayor of Bogota, will describe how leaders in Hong Kong and Mainland China can profit from failures and successes elsewhere, and challenge them to invent a new and different model of urban development; more propitious to health, happiness, more sustainable, more equitable and more competitive.

BIO OUTLINE

Enrique Penalosa is an innovative contemporary urban thinker, capable of understanding different urban contexts and proposing imaginative projects and solutions to improve quality of life and mobility.

In the space of just three years as mayor of Bogota, from 1998-2001, Dr. Peñalosa transformed his city from a dangerous and congested mess into a leading example of sustainable urban development. Today, Dr. Peñalosa is called the world over to present his experience, analysis and proposals to create better human habitats. He has spoken at forums in all continents and his views have been featured in many of the world's most important media.

This is a newly formed regional committee within AIA Hong Kong that is committed to opportunities for Learning, Contribution, Dissemination of Information and Advocacy surrounding sustainable development for the Asia/Pacific region.

The COTE mission is to lead and coordinate the profession’s involvement in environmental and energy-related issues and to promote the role of the architect and related professionals as leaders in preserving and protecting the planet, its living systems and the built environment we create and live in.

To participate, please contact Peggy Chu, Committee Chair at cote@aiahk.org or call 3157 6105.