Global Crises, Resilient Responses and Future Cities

The Urban Pivot: resilience in a time of global disruption captures a pivotal moment in the history of our cities. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a global pause, it did not spell the end of urban life but rather acted as a great accelerator, exposing deep-seated vulnerabilities and forcing a radical rethinking of how we design, manage, and inhabit urban spaces.

This book moves beyond a singular narrative to present a dynamic, global and local conversation. Through candid interviews and firsthand accounts from a diverse range of international and Chinese urban practitioners, it offers a unique comparative lens along with the changes of time. The contributions provide crucial insight into different governance models and reminds us to learn from a broader, global set of urban experiences.

Ultimately, this volume highlights the imperatives for fundamental shifts—from equitable access to housing, green space and resilient infrastructure to sustainable financing, flexible planning and system thinking—from academic discussions to actionable necessities. It is an essential invitation for planners, officials, and citizens to collaboratively build more humane, equitable, and resilient cities for the future.