The Festival of Urbanism 2025 will feature a range of activities aimed at addressing major urban challenges, including the housing crisis in Australia. Scheduled from March 10 to March 15, 2025, the festival will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and community advocates to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of urban living.
Professor Nicole Gurran, Director of the Henry Halloran Research Trust and Professor of Urbanism at the University of Sydney, emphasized the importance of regenerative urbanism, which seeks to not only reduce harm but actively restore the environment and communities. “This year’s program delivers evidence-based insights and diverse perspectives on the major challenges facing cities and regions today,” she stated. The festival will explore interconnected systems such as food, water, energy, housing, waste, transport, and land use, aiming to reimagine them for the benefit of both people and the planet.
A key highlight will be a debate focusing on the housing crisis, a pressing issue in Sydney and across Australia. “Housing is one of the most contested issues in Sydney and across Australia,” Gurran noted. The discussion will feature expert economists, analysts, and thought leaders, inviting the audience to engage with differing viewpoints on potential solutions. “Come with an open mind and leave with a fuller understanding of the housing crisis and ways to fix it,” she added.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on First Nations leadership in landscape design and architecture, alongside urban agriculture initiatives that are reshaping food production in cities. Innovations in circular industries and restorative infrastructure will be examined, highlighting how creative economies can contribute to sustainable urban living.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Parramatta and the ongoing transformations aimed at reimagining the city for the future. Tours will include the Waterloo’s Danks Street South Precinct and the Living Lab Northern Rivers, which is undertaking bold projects to address housing needs and enhance local manufacturing capabilities. In Canberra, discussions will focus on the factors that influence the Bush Capital’s regenerative prospects, from community wellbeing to the impacts of artificial intelligence and human rights.
“The Festival of Urbanism aims to elevate the quality of public debate about cities and regions by bringing together a diverse range of speakers committed to engaging with audiences passionate about their communities,” Gurran explained. The program will include lectures, panel discussions, walking tours, and exhibitions across various venues in Sydney, Parramatta, Melbourne, Canberra, and regional New South Wales.
Ultimately, the festival seeks to challenge conventional notions of urban design. “It offers a chance to explore what our cities could look like if we design them to be not just sustainable, but truly regenerative—places that support thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and a fairer future,” concluded Professor Nicole Gurran.
