Jonas Schorr in Global Urbanist on the explosion of city networks

Jonas Schorr addresses the recent growth of city networks, and their overduplification in a two-part series. Along with co-author Andrew Stevens, he argues against the proliferation of grand city-senate ideas and instead to ‘concentrate on creating popular democratic demand for city networking, and on giving more power and media visibility to the knowledge exchange efforts that cities already pursue.’ Read part one here. Read part two here.

Legacy linchpin: Ricky Burdett on Chobham Academy

Ricky Burdett in Architecture Today describes the architectural and urban features of the new school:  ’Over time, it has the potential to act as a social condenser for both existing and new communities in the area – a litmus test of whether the entire Olympic project will become an integrated part of East London or stand as an isolated ghetto.’ Read the full article here.

254 projects entered Deutsche Bank Urban Age Award

The fifth Deutsche Bank Urban Age Award in Cape Town has received the highest number of applications since its establishment in 2007. The submissions reflect the vibrancy and creativity of Cape Town dwellers in facing the social and urban challenges of their city. The winner will be announced on April 19, 2012 at the Civic Centre, Cape Town. Read the full press release (pdf).

LSE Cities presents interdisciplinary research model on cities at Mellon Foundation

Ricky Burdett, Professor of Urban Design and Director of LSE Cities, was invited to a high-level event organized by the prestigious Mellon Foundation in New York. Speaking on ‘Urbanism and the Humanities: Past and Future’, Burdett shared his insights with academics and foundation executives on how to better integrate the study of cities with the humanities. Press release (pdf).