The Online Launch of Keynote Conversations

Conversations with Mustafa Sherif , Helene Chartier , and Philipp Rode

After 18 months of effort, writing, researching, illustrating, and interviewing. I finally found myself at the online launch of my book, Keynote Conversations.

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The path to this day required figuring out all those details along the way. Of publishing, securing funding, and mastering the logistics of distribution. I was filled with a flurry of questions leading up to the event: How many would attend? Would the technology hold up? What atmosphere might the conversation at the event evoke?

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As the event began, those uncertainties began to fade, replaced by a shared curiosity about what was to come. Mustafa Sherif , the moderator and founder of the Urbanistica Podcast - Cities for People , wonderfully guided the conversation.

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Mustafa not only skilfully moderated the event this day. He should also be recognized for featuring as one of the interviewees in Keynote Conversations, stepping into the discussion with dual roles. In his interview in the book, he emphasized that

"Ideas are not enough; we need to believe in them and lead by example."

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In our conversation in the online event, I expressed my appreciation for works that gather varied perspectives, whether it’s “100 things to do in your garden” or “100 places to visit.” I believe Keynote Conversations embodies this spirit, aiming to amplify diverse voices by showcasing the insights of 100 global experts on urbanism through 100 concise interviews. There’s a unique beauty that arises when different viewpoints come together in dialogue.

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The Panelists’ Thoughts on the Book

I felt a sense of optimism as we welcomed two remarkable contributors to the panel: Helene Chartier , Director of Urban Planning and Design at C40 Cities , and Dr. Philipp Rode, Executive Director of 英国伦敦政治经济学院 Cities. Their insights added a wonderful depth to the discussion, highlighting important challenges in climate change, governance, and our modern urban way of life.

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Helene Chartier praised Keynote Conversations, saying,

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“First of all, the book as an object is beautiful! Its quality lies in its ease of reading, bringing together a selection of different perspectives that each add a unique brick to the wall.”

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Rode echoed her sentiments, and noted that a book should surprise you, and Keynote Conversations achieves this on multiple levels. He remarked the unique cover and soul-nourishing art, especially valuable in times of rational struggle. He also highlighted the diverse contributors, both renowned and lesser-known, who add depth to the work. Thank you Philipp and Hélène, I'm truly grateful for your words!

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Panel Discussion on Evolving Urban Professions

The discussion then turned toward the evolution of urban professions. Rode emphasized the necessity for cities to embrace transdisciplinary leadership, capable of bridging governance, urban design, and the needs of diverse populations. He reminded us that today’s urban challenges demand not just physical reconstruction, but also transformative changes in behavior and governance structures that prioritize democracy and resilience.

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Chartier further emphasized the importance of intergovernmental skills and the need for cities to dare to take decisive action, even in the face of economic scepticism, which can stem from both valid concerns and unfounded fears such as lobbyism. She underscored that effective planning must also include a political dimension that supports and advocate for the right solutions.

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When Mustafa asked what practices we should abandon, it reminded me of the same question he posed to me during his podcast a while back. Perhaps he could write a book about the 100 things we should not do in our urbanism. It would certainly catch my attention ??

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This time Philipp Rode pointed to the isolation of gated communities as an example of a narrow perspective that undermines collective well-being replacing it with only a private well-being. He urged cities to cultivate desires that benefit society as a whole, reinforcing the notion that quality of life should be a communal endeavour.

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In my closing reflections, I paraphrased the book, proposing that

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“Perhaps what we seek is not merely the city of the future, but rather an understanding of ourselves within these urban spaces.”

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Highlighting the importance of proactive engagement, I cited Tanya Lindkvist s words from the physical launch of the book in Copenhagen, who advocated for facilitators. Individuals who bridge societal divides through diverse experiences and perspectives and dares to take action to fill the gaps when found.

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As we concluded, I felt a profound sense of hope for the future we can shape together, armed with the resilience to navigate the complexities ahead.

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/ Gustav Magnusson

23 October 2024

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What could we learn from this conversation?

·?????? Embrace diverse perspectives in urban planning.

·?????? Encourage transdisciplinary leadership in urban projects.

·?????? Balance economic concerns with community needs.

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I invite you to join this journey with Keynote Conversations, available for purchase here: https://keynoteconversations.myshopify.com/

(For the next 24 hours, use the code YES for a discount on a signed copy)

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A large thanks to the listeners, including Peter Benuska , Lia Ghilardi , Anna Mansfield , Anna Alexandersson , Cilluf Winkvist , Aytan HUSEYNLI (M.Sc. Architect/M.Sc. Civil Engineer) , Arnold Nyawanga , Christian Pagh and many others, for joining this online event. Hope it gave some interesting insights!

Also my gratitude to Realdania , FFNS Stiftelse f?r forskning, utveckling och utbildning - Sweco and the crowdfunding including CiLLUF iNC. for the funding making this book possible.