The Future of Transylvanian Cities – MCC Urban Development Conference at Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca

This conference will bring together the best local and international experts, across various themes of urban development, with an eye to framing and exploring those themes as they relate to the circumstance of Cluj. It aims to be an opportunity for experts and governmental actors, as well as the general public, to exchange ideas about what lessons Cluj has for urban development, and what insights international urban development best practices might have for Cluj.

The presentations and discussions aim to be useful and constructive for Transylvanians, always keeping in mind local needs and expectations, as well as dynamic economic and infrastructural development. In addition to the panel discussions and presentations, the conference will also provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, professional and personal networking, so that participants from different sectors, public actors, students and all interested parties can get involved.

The two-day event will incorporate keynote speeches, panel discussions and networking opportunities. The invited experts will present their latest research and innovative initiatives in four panels:

• Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Planning
• Cultural and Creative Industries in Urban Development
• Economic Development and Digital Transformation in Urban Environments
• Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca Cityscape

Experts from Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Spain the United Kingdom and the United States will attend the conference, among several local professionals.

Among our invited speakers will be • Dr. Robin Mazumder, Neuroscientist, Postdoctoral Fellow at Technical University of Berlin • Dr. Calum T. M. Nicholson, Visiting Fellow at MCC • Prof. Dr. Yves Cabannes, urban specialist • Dr. Izaskun Chinchilla, Professor in Architectural Practice at UCL, at the Bartlett School of Architecture • Eliza Yokina, architect • Dr. Șerban Țigănaș, architect, dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca • Guttmann Szabolcs, Architect, Urbanist, Heritage & Conservation Specialist • Emese Oláh, Deputy Mayor of Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca • Jaakko Blomberg, Co-founder of Helsinki Urban Art • Yasha Young, Founder and Senior Executive of Urban Nation Museum Berlin • Rarița Zbranca, Programme Director at Cluj Cultural Centre • Agnieszka Kolek, Head of Cultural Engagement, MCC Brussels • Andi Daiszler, cultural manager • David Parrish, Creativity and Business Specialist • Kris Andreychuk, Leader of the Data Science and Research team at the City of Edmonton • Andra Tănase, Senior Green and Digital Strategist at Transilvania IT Cluster • Nora Dobre, senior expert in human resources and associate teacher at Babeș-Bolyai University • Dr. Árpád Furu, Architect, Heritage & Conservation Engineer, Etnographer

Conference Schedule

Day 1 - Thursday, 16th of November

9:00–10:00 - Registration and Welcome Coffee
10:00–10:30 - Opening Remarks and Introduction10:30–11:10 - Keynote Speech: Dr. Robin Mazumder
11:10–11:20 - Reflection: Dr. Calum T. M. Nicholson
11:20–11:30 - Coffee Break and Networking
11:30–13:00 - Panel Discussion: Sustainable and Inclusive City Planning 
13:00–14:00 - Lunch Break and Networking
14:00–15:30 - Panel Discussion: Cultural and Creative Industries in Urban Development
15:30–15:40 - Closing Remarks for Day 1

Day 2 - Friday, 17th of November

10:00–11:00 - Registration and Welcome Coffee
11:00–12:30 - Panel Discussion: Economic Development and Digital Transformation in Urban Environments
12:30–13:30 - Lunch Break and Networking
13:30–15:00 - Panel Discussion: Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca Cityscape
15:00–15:30 - Closing Remarks and Conference Summary

The lectures and discussions will be in English. The event is free but registration is required. We kindly ask you to inform us of your intention to attend by filling in the form below: HERE.

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