Giulio Verdini, Reader at the School of Architecture and Cities and Course Leader for the International Planning and Sustainable Development MA, has contributed to a horizon scan in The Economics of the Built Environment which focuses on emerging economies for the Royal British Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Horizon scans are proactive research to identify signals of change in a professional field. These RIBA scans are part of the RIBA Horizons 2034, are written by leading academics in the field and provide foresight on topics expected to drive the greatest change by 2034. The series The Economics of the Built Environment (open access from 23 August 2024) focuses on the global economic systems and forces that are anticipated to shape architecture and built environments over the next decade. They call for intersectoral collaboration between architects, planners, government and the financial sector.
In the Emerging Economies scan of the publication, Giulio Verdini focuses on emerging economies in Asia and Africa and how they will drive urban growth in future decades. The scan posits that urban transformation can provide opportunities to lift populations out of poverty and queries where barriers to this transformation lie and how architects and urban planners can positively contribute to this process.
Speaking about this research, Verdini said: “In times of multiple global crises, there is a resurgence of interest in foresight studies. In the urban and architectural field, it is becoming imperative to anticipate future trends; this methodology has now been introduced in the International Planning and Sustainable Development MA. I was honoured to contribute to this RIBA Horizon scanning exercise, which can substantially help innovate the profession.”
Giulio Verdini’s research directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about courses in Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design at the University of Westminster.
