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 Are you interested in individual steps as strengths for the future of cities? What do you think how we can be brave in political decisions for thinking long term? How can we create the right to live in the city for everyone?

Stay tuned for the answers from Emil Melles!

[intro music]

Welcome to What is The Future for Cities podcast! Today is a special celebratory episode where I summarise an interview with Emil Melles, civil engineer and my father. We talked about his vision for the future of cities, liveability, accessibility, urban air becoming unbreathable, and many more. So, let’s start with a proper introduction.

Emil Melles is an accomplished civil engineer with decades of experience in urban development and infrastructure projects across Hungary. Since earning his degree from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics in 1980, Emil has held various leadership roles and he has been instrumental in overseeing and managing complex projects such as city rehabilitations, flood protection measures, and significant municipal investments. His career is marked by a strong commitment to improving urban environments, ensuring project efficiency, and fostering sustainable development. Emil is also a dedicated family man, music enthusiast, and lifelong learner with a passion for exploring new ideas in his field. And last, but not least, he is my father, so it was especially exciting to interview him about these questions.

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And even though I promised in the previous episode a translated conversation with slightly robotic voices, I changed the process to just summarise Emil’s answers to the interview questions. The translation and dubbing were 90% there, but the lack of perfection makes it hard to listen to the conversation and I would like to give you the best experience – so here is the summary instead.

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Reflecting on the conversation with Emil, it becomes clear that his perspective on the future of cities is deeply intertwined with his concerns for the next generations—particularly his children and grandchildren. Although Emil acknowledges that at his age, the future of cities holds less personal significance, he is deeply invested in ensuring that the environments in which future generations will live are both sustainable and nurturing. For Emil, the concept of the future of cities is not merely about urban growth or technological advancements; it is about creating spaces where people of all ages can thrive, with clean air, accessible green spaces, and reliable infrastructure.

Emil’s concerns about the future of cities are rooted in the challenges he perceives as imminent or already present. One of his greatest fears is the ongoing trend of overpopulation and urbanization. He notes that as more people move from rural areas to cities, the result is not only the overcrowding of urban spaces but also the depopulation and neglect of rural areas. This mass migration places enormous pressure on urban infrastructure, which, according to Emil, is often inadequate to meet the needs of a growing population. He points out that basic utilities, such as water supply and sewage systems, are frequently overstretched, and the rapid pace of urban development means that these systems are rarely upgraded in time to cope with increasing demand.

Another significant concern for Emil is the quality of air in cities. He vividly describes the dire air pollution in major cities around the world, such as Shanghai, where he recalls seeing the sun only a few times during his visit. He is particularly alarmed by the situation in poorer countries, where economic constraints lead people to burn anything they can find, including harmful materials like plastic and rubber, just to stay warm. This, in turn, exacerbates the already critical issue of air pollution, making urban living conditions even more hazardous.

Despite these concerns, Emil also identifies several opportunities that could shape a positive future for cities. He believes that political will and vision are paramount. For Emil, the future of cities could be bright if those in power are not only forward-thinking but also committed to respecting professional expertise in urban planning. Such leaders could foster the development of cities that are not only functional but also beautiful, with ample green spaces and well-planned infrastructure that meets the needs of all citizens.

Technological advancement is another opportunity Emil highlights. He is optimistic about the potential of new technologies to address some of the most pressing challenges facing cities today. For example, innovations in infrastructure maintenance and environmental protection could play a crucial role in making cities more liveable and sustainable.

Emil also emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement in urban planning. He believes that by involving the people who actually live in cities in the planning process, urban environments can be tailored to meet the real needs of their inhabitants. This, in his view, is essential for creating cities that are truly liveable for everyone.

When discussing the strengths that could help shape the future of cities, Emil points to the significant investments in research and development by major economies. He sees this as a critical factor that could lead to breakthroughs in solving urban challenges. Additionally, he underscores the importance of the professional community—architects, engineers, and urban planners—in shaping the future of cities. Their expertise, when allowed to be applied without undue interference, is crucial in ensuring that urban development is both sustainable and forward-looking.

Emil also recognizes the power of individual contributions, albeit on a smaller scale. He mentions how even small actions, like creating green spaces in personal living areas, can contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability in urban environments. However, he is clear that while these individual efforts are valuable, the real impact will come from larger-scale initiatives driven by urban leadership.

In reflecting on his own role in shaping the future of cities, Emil shares his experiences in trying to advocate for sustainable urban solutions. He has been involved in various projects, such as efforts to improve stormwater management in Budapest. Despite encountering resistance from political authorities, Emil remains committed to pushing for practical solutions that can make cities more resilient and liveable. His ongoing involvement in professional organizations, such as the engineering chamber, allows him to continue contributing to discussions on urban development.

Finally, when considering what advice he would offer to the next generation, Emil stresses the importance of flexibility and adaptability. He suggests that young people should prioritize renting over buying property to avoid being tied down to one location, allowing them the freedom to move to places that offer better living conditions. Emil also advises focusing on enjoying life and making smart investments, rather than being burdened by the responsibilities of property ownership.

[music]

It was really interesting to hear from Emil about the necessity of thinking long term despite thinking not living until then. Not to mention his requirement for accessibility for all – in the panel discussion titled NeurodiverCity in episode 200 we discuss similar sentiments from urban user experience. You can find out more about Emil online, all the links are in the shownotes.

What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise regarding Emil’s approach to the future of cities? What have you learned from this interview? Let me know on Twitter at WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the transcripts and show notes are available! You can also subscribe on the website not to miss any new episodes and leave some feedback. I hope this was an interesting summary for you as well, and thanks for tuning in!

[outro music]

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