VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

What is the current narrative around liveable cities? How might we develop counter narratives for the cities of the future, so that there is momentum and action towards long-term systemic change? We know that a narrative is the dominant set of beliefs and mindsets, supported by stories, and is a critical component for movements sustaining power over time. We know that the narrative of a liveable city includes components such as environmental, social and cultural infrastructure and must include people at the centre. We also know that narratives are very powerful and underpin policy, social and systemic change efforts. However, where is our dominant narrative leading us now, and is it the one we envision for the future? What narratives would we use so that or storytelling is consistent with our desired strategy, policy and design goals? With resilience and public investment at the forefront of urban challenges, it’s time for us practitioners to take a look at the dominant narratives, our relationships to them and where there are opportunities to leverage stories to mobilise key audiences. Taking into account case studies on urban development, water and infrastructure globally, this paper will explore dominant narratives around liveable cities, potential counter narratives and interrogate the the role key audiences can play in storytelling, multidisciplinary solutions and other mobilisation efforts.