The AESOP 2024 Conference in Paris critically examined the urban impacts of major events, such as the Olympics, questioning whether large-scale urban transformations—often designed with virtuous intentions—can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. The conference encouraged a rigorous and reflective approach to significant urban changes, drawing lessons from both planned events and crises.
This year’s program featured Tracks, Roundtables, and Special Sessions, engaging AESOP researchers, institutions, and international networks. A notable addition to the conference was French Cuisine, a section dedicated to strengthening the dialogue between French urban researchers and practitioners, bridging academic research and operational urban planning.
Beyond urban transformations, the conference also addressed global challenges, including climate resilience, urban transitions, and the impact of ongoing conflicts.
For more details about the AESOP 2024 Conference, visit the official website: AESOP 2024 Paris Conference.
Format
On-site, Paris
Roundtable on Built Environment Education
📅 July 10, 2024 | 10:45 – 12:30
Ceren Sezer participated as a Roundtable session speaker, joining Eugenio Morello, Christa Reicher, Francesco Musco, Chrisna Du Plessis, Matej Nikšič, and Tijana Dabović to discuss Built Environment Education and Climate Resilience.
This session critically examined the integration of climate resilience and adaptation strategies into architecture and urban planning education. While sustainability toolkits and rating systems exist, they remain peripheral topics rather than core educational components. The discussion explored how to overcome institutional barriers and equip future planners with the necessary skills to address climate challenges.
The session built upon insights from the Climate Wunderkammer project, featured at the 18th Architecture Biennale in Venice (May–November 2023), furthering the conversation on climate-adaptive design education.
Planning Adaptation and Tools for Resilience (5)
📅 July 12, 2024 | 09:00 – 10:45
Presentation: “Use of Technology-Based Citizen Participation Methods and Instruments for More Inclusive and Just Cities: A Critical Literature Review”
📍 Authors: Ceren Sezer (RWTH Aachen University), Bige Tunçer (Eindhoven University of Technology), Christoph Hölscher (ETH Zurich, Singapore ETH Center), Panos Mavros (Télécom Paris, Institut Polytechnique De Paris), Christa Reicher
One of the key principles in creating inclusive and just cities is ensuring accessibility for all—especially for physically disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. This presentation provided a critical literature review of how technology-based citizen participation tools can improve accessibility in public spaces like streets, parks, and squares.
The study developed a conceptual framework linking accessibility, representation, and utilization of emerging participation technologies. It provides insights into the complexities of integrating digital participation tools into cities’ social and spatial landscapes. The framework aims to guide future research toward creating technologically advanced yet socially equitable participatory planning tools.
Keywords: inclusive urban design, citizen participation, just city, digital technology