VIRTUAL Lisbon Livable Cities
Abstract
The article presents a ‘case study’ from a broader research project addressing the neglect of urban backyards in major cities. While these cities often boast iconic architectural landmarks that define their urban identity – such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Taj Mahal – they tend to overlook the traditional crafts and trades that are a vital part of the city’s cultural heritage and identity. Today, central cities worldwide are marked by the phenomenon of gentrification the migration of middle- and upper-class populations into struggling neighbourhoods. This shift often results in a drastic transformation of the urban identity and infrastructure, pushing out weaker populations and displacing local craftsmen to the city’s fringes. These artisans, whose skills serve as a cultural cornerstone for urban identity, are increasingly marginalized or displaced entirely. Gentrification has given rise to architecture that soars to the clouds, showcasing urban identities that threaten to overshadow the historical and cultural heritage of crafts and trades, many of which face the risk of extinction. The article, accompanied by visual documentation, examines the outcomes and insights derived from collaborations between craftsmen, designers, and artists. These partnerships have yielded surprising results that point to a new path forward – one that reconnects art, craftsmanship, and design. By transforming neglected spaces into creative hubs, these initiatives highlight how traditional craftsmanship can be reimagined as an integral part of contemporary urban identity.
David is a multidisciplinary designer specializing in urban design, product design, tactical planning, and street art. He leads *Daydream Studio*, fostering innovation and collaborative projects, and recently established an artists’ house supported by the Rothschild Foundation to promote creative synergies. His motto, “From designing for people to designing with people,” reflects his commitment to community-focused design. David holds a B.A. in Product Design (HIT), an M.A. in Urban Design (Bezalel), and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Tactical Urban Design (IIT Guwahati)
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Professor Iko Avital is a multidisciplinary designer, educator, and strategist with 40 years of experience in design creativity and innovation. He founded and led departments in Visual Communication, Product Design integrated with Mechanical Engineering, and Urban Design. He has taught at HIT and SCE and has been a visiting professor at IIT since 1998. Avital has organized international conferences on creativity and innovation in design.
As head of the award-winning *Avital Designers*, he spearheaded projects including urban parks preserving cultural traditions, solutions for underserved populations, branding for retail, and patents. Now based in Lisbon, he continues his research in design and innovation.
Professor Amarendra Kumar Das is a leading designer and renowned design educator, known for his contributions to industrial design, and innovation at IIT Guwahati , currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, specializes in industrial design, rapid prototyping, space design, and environmental graphics. Over his 36-year career, he has contributed significantly to the field of design through his work on projects that enhance accessibility, including designs for the disabled, continues to mentor students in design and innovation, guided over 20 Ph.D. scholars in design, published more than 200 papers, led over 50 projects and consultancies, contributing to practical design solutions for industry, urban transportation, defence sector, and healthcare to name a few. Dipbahan tricycle rickshaw Designed and Developed by Prof Das was awarded Best Tricycle Rickshaw Design by the Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India and is the only one to be awarded. It has positively impacted over 100,000 Prof. Das is the founder Director of IIIT Manipur, guiding the institute during its foundational years.
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Friday 11th July, 2025