Economic Geographer Alexander Panin Discusses the Challenges Facing Cities of the Future
Moderator of the discussion on the cities of the future at the International Science Fiction Symposium “Inventing the Future,” economic geographer, Head of the MapFund Research Center, and Director of the Center for Geodemography and Spatial Development at Moscow State University Alexander Panin outlines the challenges that will drive city transformations.
“The first challenge is technology, which is becoming deeply integrated into our lives. We already see autonomous delivery robots roaming the city streets, driverless vehicles, and much more. Combined with artificial intelligence, these advancements will significantly impact cities, urban environments, and spatial life scenarios. We need to prepare for this!” Alexander Panin states.
According to the expert, demographics is another challenge. Panin believes that post-industrial cities worldwide are competing for people. Cities that are more diverse, visually appealing, and provide high-quality healthcare, education, well-planned environments, and housing ultimately attract more residents. “In this regard, cities that succeed will be those that learn to offer unique combinations of urban comfort, technology, and natural landscapes,” Panin emphasizes.
He also highlighted Russia’s unique experience in urban development, which warrants closer examination.
“We have learned to build and develop cities in places where no one else in the world has built before, especially in the Arctic. This was a true test for humanity and nature. Science cities are also a unique invention! They were originally conceived as cities of the future. Today, their development concepts are being redefined, a new economy is taking shape, master plans are being developed, and creative communities are emerging. I believe that our cities – whether large or small, industrial or post-industrial, tourist or science cities, major metropolitan hubs or peripheral centers – have unique potential, and unlocking this potential is a key task for our country,” Panin concludes.
During the discussion “Cities of the Future: Creating Space for Life,” international and Russian experts in urban planning and architecture, along with authorities and business leaders, will discuss how the appearance, tasks, and functions of cities will change in the future.
International participants in the discussion include Hong Kong architect James Law, known for his cyber home projects in India and China; Shafiq Muhammad Borhanuddin from the Institute of Islamic Understanding, Malaysia; Malawian MP Ephraim Abel Kayembe; Malti Rai, Mayor of Bhopal, India; and Mayor of Ramsar (Iran) Ali Aminishad.
On July 1, 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed an Order establishing the Russia National Centre to preserve the legacy of the “Russia” Exhibition and to showcase the country’s achievements on a permanent basis.
The International Symposium “Inventing the
Future” will be held on November 4-6 at the Russia National Centre. The event
will bring together distinguished scientists and researchers, futurists and
forecasters, fiction authors, as well as government representatives. Please
visit the website to get more detail on the Symposium’s agenda. Alongside the
symposium, the National Centre will host the exhibition “Heritage for the
Future,” featuring works by young artists – graduates of creative universities
from various countries.