ARCS 9.0

The multi-disciplinary ARCS 9.0 conference aims to foster reflective engagement and empirical analysis on how cities can transition toward more sustainable development models. It will explore how policies can be shaped to promote sustainability while addressing the unique needs of different urban contexts, how planning processes can anticipate and adapt to future urban challenges, and how management practices can ensure the efficient use of resources and the resilience of urban systems.

Papers, cases, posters and presentations are invited from across disciplines, fields of practice fields and interest areas. Contributors are encouraged to share completed work as well as work-in-progress.

Papers, cases, posters, presentations, reports and final year thesis on urban and regional sustainability initiatives, projects and process experiences are invited from researchers, academics, professionals, students, civic and policy actors across disciplines and fields of practice. Submissions may relate to any one or more of the tracks, and should be original work of the authors/ presenters. The authors should clearly state their intended track(s) in their registration.

The ARCS 9.0 Conference Tracks are organized around key dimensions of and the central concerns of the conference—policy, planning, and management for urban sustainability – as they apply to various urban dimensions or systems. Participants are encouraged to submit papers or engage in discussions aligned with the following tracks:

1. Policies and governance for sustainable urbanism

This track will explore how urban policies can shape the future of societies and communities, focusing on strategic governance, planning, and implementation to help cities achieve the SDGs. It will examine how policy and governance frameworks can create actionable roadmaps for sustainable urban development, providing opportunities for goal-setting, strategic planning, and effective project management.The track invites submissions on the following aspects and other related areas –

• SGDs and urban policies
• Urban governance & institutional frameworks
• Capacity building and skill development
• Strategic management
• Urban finance
• Education for sustainable urbanism

2. Economy & livelihoods

This track centers on developing sustainable and inclusive urban economies and fostering opportunities for livelihoods across different socio-economic groups, addressing issues related to economic growth, development, and equal opportunities for all. Exploration into emerging “green jobs”, urban sustainability start-ups, new solutions for sustainable livelihoods approaches and other topics as below are encouraged.

• Economic development and growth of cities
• Informal livelihoods, poverty, and food security
• The Gig economy and sustainable livelihoods
• Green jobs and green entrepreneurship

3. Sustainable infrastructure and services

This track focuses on sustainable urban infrastructure for essential services: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), sustainable transportation, renewable energy, and the circular economy. The track aims to examine innovative policies and approaches that address the infrastructure needs of growing cities while balancing environmental protection and sustainability, paving the way for long-term urban resilience and livability. Topics may include work in the following areas, among others:

• Sustainable mobility
• Circular Economy
• WASH
• Blue, green, and grey infrastructure

4. Environment & Ecosystem

This track focuses on the impact of climate change on urban systems, focusing on risk assessment, vulnerability, and climate-resilient development. It explores nature-based solutions and traditional knowledge for urban management, integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies to create sustainable urban environments, and balancing ecological health with the needs of growing cities in ways that  promote long-term resilience and sustainability. Topics may relate to:  

• Transitioning to net-positivity
• Disaster risk reduction and recovery management
• Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
• Urban ecosystem services and nature-based solutions
• Renewable energy

5. Urban Regeneration and Public Spaces

This track examines the role of public spaces in urban regeneration, focusing on how they can enhance sustainability, accessibility, and community connection. Public spaces are essential in shaping cities, influencing social interaction, environmental quality, and economic vitality; green spaces also provide essential ecosystem and nature-based services. SubmWork a multidisciplinary approach to rethinking and redesigning public spaces, ensuring they are resilient, inclusive, and contribute to long-term urban renewal and development. It has the following sub-themes:

• Urban Open spaces
• Green Place-making and tactical urbanism
• Heritage conservation and tourism
• Participatory planning for sustainability

6. Smart & Digital Applications

This track focuses on integrating advanced urban planning and management technologies to create sustainable and livable cities. Work pertaining to the application of digital innovations across urban systems and dimensions such as urban governance and planning are encouraged. Discussions on how smart solutions can enhance urban environments, foster resilience and efficiency in managing urban growth and sustainability, pertaining to the following are welcome.

• Digital infrastructure
• Technological innovation and smart applications
• Smart Governance and Citizen Engagement
• Big data and AI in urban development
• Knowledge management

7. Real estate and affordable housing

Booming real estate markets, driven by rapid urbanization and increasing population is substantially contributing to economic growth, while sparking challenges in equitable access, loss of open and ecologically sensitive places, and expanding carbon footprints. The shortage of affordable housing has become a critical issue in many cities, leading to homelessness, overcrowding, and growing inequality. This track explores solutions to create more sustainable built environments, accessible and affordable housing and preserving critical urban ecosystems. Work on the following, among other topics, are welcomed:

• Real Estate and built environment
• Land management and governance
• Housing for all – policies and processes

8. Inclusive and sustainable planning

This track will feature work on approaches for and diverse aspects of inclusive planning, focusing on the needs and preferences of underrepresented and marginalized groups. Research and practice(s) on plans and initiatives for building resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities that support economic development, social cohesion, and environmental stewardship are invited.  This track seeks to ensure that urban planning includes all perspectives by adopting a holistic approach. The theme is further divided into the following sub-themes:

• Age-friendly cities
• Gender-sensitive planning
• Transgender communities in urban planning