Cities are human-centred domains that are by and large administered in manners focused on human flourishing. As various climate scenarios continue to play out, this raises questions about how we co-construct, more holistic, inclusive and welcoming, multispecies centred cities.
Hosting conversations about such urban topics becomes all the more more vital as technological ‘smart‘ imaginaries and ‘solutions’ tend to view the city, citizens and so-called resources, (wild life, water sources, open spaces) as a programmable nodes.
Such renderings are most often driven by process of optimisation, which can reduce capacities for diversity and vitality by streamlining regulated pathways. This can result in normative forms and the workings and language of the city becoming abstracted, alienating and largely invisible.
Intentionally designed as a salon style event, in which such contemporary techno-civic issues are discussed in intimate scale settings. The salon format provides a level of support and welcoming, through which the cultivation of an ongoing dialogue around city living can be fostered.
Topics covered to date have predominately focused on how artists, scholars, designers, concerned citizens, activists and public governing bodies approach urban commoning, resource sharing, sonic and other urban histories and folklores, eco-centred spatial practices, sustainable food networks, algorithmic governance and care, housing, ritual and communal practices, repair and healing cultures, species welfare and rights, including data rights and the right to the city.
