KOTI TALK / Buiding cities, building communit

A conversation with Marwa Al-Sabouni, Pekka Haavisto and Anne Stenros.

 

The evolution of population structure sets new ecological, economical and social challenges. In 2030, 60 % of the world population will live in cities. The fastest growing cities are located in Africa, Asia, Latin America and in the Caribbeans. In every corner of the world, urban planning is a key element for cities and their inhabitants well being.

 

MARWA AL-SABOUNI

Marwa Al-Sabouni was born in Homs, a city in the central-western part of the country, and has a PhD in Islamic Architecture. Despite the destruction of large parts of the city, she has remained in Homs with her husband and two children throughout the war. In her just-released book "The Battle for Home" (Thames & Hudson, 2016), she explores the role architecture and the built environment play in whether a community crumbles or comes together, and she offers insights on how her country (and a much-needed sense of identity) should be rebuilt so that it will not happen again. She has been recognised internationally in various media and has been a TED talk presenter. Al-Sabouni will visit Finland for the first time this autumn.

 

PEKKA HAAVISTO

Pekka Haavisto is a Member of Finnish Parliament (1987-1995, 2007-) a former minister and presidential candidate in 2012.

In autumn 2014 he was appointed as Foreign Minister’s Special Representative for African Crises. Before he has worked as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Sudan and Darfur (2005-2007), and as a Special Advisor for the UN (ASG) in Darfur peace process (2007). He has also led several missions to conflict areas as the Chairman of UNEP’s post-conflict work in 1999-2005.

 

ANNE STENROS

Ms. Anne Stenros, Doctor of Science and Architect SAFA, started as the first Chief Design Officer of the City of Helsinki in September 2016. Her previous post was Professor of Practice, IDBM Programme Director, at the Aalto University. In 2005–2015 she was the Design Director of Kone Corporation. Anne Stenros has been awarded several times for her active use of design in city policies

 

Partners

Måndag, Torikorttelit, Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux, Institut finlandais

 

The event is part of Mobile Home 2017 a joint project of the Finnish Institutes of Paris, Benelux countries, Berlin and London. It explores and interprets the different meanings of home through architecture, art, design and society.

 

Practical informations:

KOTI, Sofiankatu 4, 00170, Helsinki

 

Free entrance

Limited seats, reservations only