60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress
“Reinventing The (In)visible Cities”
Siena, Italy | 8-12 October 2024
The 60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress – Reinventing the (In)Visible Cities, will be held in the historic Italian city of Siena, from the 8th to 12th October 2024. This will be the highlight event of this special year and part of ISOCARP’s 60th World Planning Congress Diamond Anniversary Series, celebrating 60 years of congresses.
Siena, with its rich tapestry of history, commitment to innovation, and dedication to heritage preservation, serves as a living embodiment of the theme “Reinventing The (In)Visible Cities.” As the place where Calvino spent his last day sand a shining example of good governance depicted in Lorenzetti’s frescoes, Siena offers an unparalleled setting for exploring the intersection of tradition and progress. Its UNESCO-listed center, anchored by the iconic Piazza del Campo, provides a scenic canvas for envisioning the cities of tomorrow, while the treasures housed within the Duomo showcase the city’s enduring excellence. Siena’s pioneering spirit is evident in its historic contributions to walkability and banking, showcasing a legacy of urban innovation that continues to shape its identity. As a vital stop along the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route and home to the vibrant Palio horse race, Siena exemplifies the power of connection and tradition. Symbolizing transformation, the Santa Maria della Scala reflects ISOCARP’s mission to bridge past and future, providing a fitting venue for discussions on urban resilience and innovation.
Under the banner of “Reinventing the (In)Visible Cities: From Heritage to Innovation, Forging Pathways to Resilience,” the congress held within Siena’s historic walls seeks to chart a course towards sustainable urban development. Inspired by Calvino’s visionary work in “Invisible Cities,” delegates are encouraged to imagine the unseen and strive for urban utopia. By reimagining city planning and design to accommodate innovation in all fields, we honour Siena’s unique historical significance and focus on topics such as urban regeneration, leveraging cultural heritage for sustainable development, and combating climate change. As we gather within Siena’s timeless embrace, we embark on a journey to revitalize our cities, dismantle systemic inequalities, and create a sustainable urban legacy for generations to come. Through collective vision and shared commitment, we embrace the challenge of reinventing our cities to meet the needs of the present while preserving the essence of our past.
Tickets
As a global organisation, one of ISOCARP’s core principles is to make our Congresses inclusive for everyone, everywhere. Our fee structure takes into account the country of residence and the point in your career, for both member and non-member status, as per the World by Income and Region Map by World Bank.
Register now and don’t miss your chance to benefit from reduced fees for this unique celebratory planning event, where you will:
- Shape the future of our cities.
- Gain valuable knowledge and insights.
- Expand your professional network.
- Experience the energy and inspiration of a global gathering.
Congress Tracks
- Cultural Heritage for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Futures. Explore how preservation and utilization of cultural heritage can serve as a catalyst and/or powerful driver for sustainable urban development of resilient cities and regions.
- Innovation, creativity, legacy: Cities of/for Tomorrow. Discover innovative solutions for revitalizing cities and metropolitan regions, improving their mobility and efficiency, shaping their dynamic future and directing their evolution. Investigate creative and inventive technological, social and spatial solutions and planning approaches which support equity, inclusiveness, cooperation and collaboration, as well as digital upgrading, urban management and the efficiency and modernisation of urban systems.
- Urban Memories and Inclusive Regeneration. Explore the preservation of intangible urban memories and inclusive regeneration practices, empowering communities and fostering social inclusion.
- Sustainable Urban Density. Examine approaches to sustainable urban density, balancing population growth with green spaces and sustainable design principles to create livable and resilient urban environments.
- Circular Urbanity. Discover strategies for implementing closed-loop systems and zero-waste planning in cities, fostering resilience and sustainability while minimizing environmental impact.
SIENA’S Urban Conversations
- Ethical AI in Urban Planning: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Values
- Climate-Resilient Urban Planning: Strategies for a Sustainable Future
- Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future: Strategies for Resilient Heritage Management
- Navigating Urban Informality: Challenges and Solutions for Inclusive Development
- Navigating the Urban Expanse: Strategies for Effective Metropolitan Governance
- Building Sustainable Futures: Innovative Financial Models for Urban Development
- Beyond Monuments: Redefining Heritage Preservation for Modern Cities
- Building Inclusive Cities: Smart Planning for All Communities
Awards and More
In addition to the annual ISOCARP Awards, which encompass three distinct categories:
- the Award for Excellence (AfE), recognizing outstanding projects and influential professional endeavors;
- the Gerd Albers Award (GAA), celebrating inspiring publications such as books and essays; and
- the Student Award (SA), designed to promote exceptional projects undertaken by students worldwide, the following activities will be incorporated:
In commemoration of the 60th ISOCARP Congress in Siena, renowned for its historical significance and distinctive charm, the Awards and Publication Program will introduce the following special initiatives:
- The Competition: Explore the theme of the “Invisible City” by sharing your interpretation in one paragraph, enriched with a key photo capturing the essence of your city’s definition.
- City Movies: Immerse in the spirit of the city through a dedicated session showcasing video footage submitted by members, capturing the essence of urban life, including places, sounds, colors, and people.
- The Exhibition: Celebrate the city’s character and personality through an exhibition of freehand sketches, highlighting heritage areas and historical places, allowing participants to creatively sketch their cityscape.
60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress (WPC60)
60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress (WPC60)