The **Festival of Regenerative Urbanism 2025** is set to engage global audiences with a multifaceted program addressing the pressing challenges facing urban areas today. Scheduled for **March 2025**, the festival will feature a range of events designed to provoke thought and inspire action regarding the future of cities, particularly in Australia.
Professor Nicole Gurran, Director of the **Henry Halloran Research Trust** and a Professor of Urbanism at the **Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning**, emphasized the festival’s focus on **regenerative urbanism**. This approach seeks not just to mitigate harm but to actively restore and rejuvenate urban environments. “Regenerative urbanism looks at the whole system,” Gurran noted, examining how food, water, energy, housing, and transportation can be reimagined for the benefit of both people and the planet.
A key highlight of this year’s festival will be a debate centered on the acute housing crisis impacting cities like **Sydney**. Gurran remarked, “Housing is one of the most contested issues in Sydney and across Australia.” The debate will feature experts from various fields—including economists and analysts—who will provide diverse insights into potential solutions. Attendees can expect an informative session that challenges preconceptions and enhances understanding of the complexities surrounding housing.
The festival plans to underscore the significance of **First Nations leadership** in urban design and architecture, showcasing innovative projects that aim to transform urban agriculture and promote sustainable practices. Events will spotlight **Parramatta** as a case study in future urban development, alongside guided tours of **Waterloo’s Danks Street South Precinct**, which exemplifies contemporary urban design principles.
In **Canberra**, discussions will focus on the elements that influence the regenerative potential of the **Bush Capital**, addressing aspects such as community wellbeing, artificial intelligence, human rights, and ecosystem health. Gurran aims to elevate public discourse through the festival, stating, “The Festival of Urbanism aims to bring researchers together with industry leaders, community advocates, and creative practitioners.”
The program includes lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions hosted across various venues, including the **University of Sydney** and locations in **Melbourne**, **Canberra**, and regional **New South Wales**. Gurran highlighted the festival’s commitment to reaching a broad audience, noting, “Our diverse speakers are dedicated to engaging with those passionate about the threats and opportunities facing their communities.”
As cities grapple with sustainability, the festival provides an opportunity to explore what urban environments could look like if designed to be truly regenerative. Gurran concluded, “The festival offers a chance to envision places that support thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and a fairer future.”
With its comprehensive approach to urban challenges, the **Festival of Regenerative Urbanism 2025** stands as a significant event for those dedicated to shaping the cities of tomorrow.
