This week on the What is the future for cities? podcast, we released two episodes that spark a dialogue between theory and practice. Episode 375R featured a debate summarising Timon McPhearson, David M Iwaniec, and Xuemei Bai‘s 2016 paper on Positive visions for guiding urban transformations toward sustainable futures. It weighed the power of inspirational visions against the need for systemic rigor. Then, episode 376I brought in Jocelyn Chiew, a strategic and urban designer, who shared grounded perspectives on resilience, belonging, leadership, and storytelling for urban progress. These discussions show how bold ideas can counter fear and drive real change in cities.

Lesson 1: Positive visions must balance inspiration with systemic checks

The debate in episode 375R highlights the surge in urbanisation demanding radical shifts, not tweaks, using positive visioning to craft desirable futures that motivate action and counter dystopian fears like climate collapse. Tools like backcasting start from ambitious states and work backward, revealing pathways that defy business-as-usual, but visions risk utopian wishlists without coherence – conflicts between goals like growth and resource limits need early scrutiny via systems thinking for plausibility. Chiew echoes this in 376I by advocating evidence-based approaches tied to accountability and hope, ensuring visions translate to real outcomes. The lesson? Pair bold dreams with rigorous analysis for visions that inspire and implement effectively, turning abstract aspiration into coordinated urban transformation.

Lesson 2: Resilience goes beyond endurance to whole-system thriving

Episode 375R stresses visions addressing interconnected challenges, like green infrastructure in Phoenix tackling heat and water trade-offs through systemic integration for long-term viability amid crises. Chiew in 376I redefines resilience as sustaining all life forms across boundaries and generations, moving past fatigue with outdated terms to an ecosystem-wide approach: “The ability of our cities to sustain life… within and beyond boundaries… and lifespans,” drawing on First Nations knowledges for enduring wisdom. The takeaway: Resilience demands holistic, timeless strategies that protect vulnerable groups and foster adaptability, linking visionary planning to practical, inclusive survival for humans and non-humans alike.

Lesson 3: Belonging transforms inclusion into deep, place-specific connections

The debate in 375R notes participatory visioning reveals tensions, building community buy-in for trade-offs by engaging diverse voices to ensure visions reflect real needs, not top-down ideals. Chiew expands belonging beyond policies in 376I: “This is where designers thrive. We’re really good at working with constraint… transforming it into something that is better,” with site-specific responses honouring loved aspects while improving for all through deep listening to underrepresented groups. The lesson: Belonging requires time for authentic co-creation, turning constraints into strengths for equitable spaces that foster thriving communities, bridging theoretical participation with on-the-ground design excellence.

Lesson 4: Leadership emerges from all levels for collective progress

Episode 375R shows visions mobilise when politically feasible, like Australia’s 100% renewables by 2020 or China’s Sponge Cities, where leadership turns abstract goals into investments and actions. Chiew in 376I broadens leadership: “Leadership exists in so many different circles… we need to cultivate a culture of leading no matter where you are,” citing community efforts like New York’s High Line and urging bold agitation plus youth investment. The key: Foster leadership everywhere, from politics to grassroots, for inclusive outcomes that realise visionary ambitions through diverse, empowered voices.

Lesson 5: Storytelling drives hope and accountability in urban change

The debate in 375R emphasises narratives countering apathy, using vignettes to explore possibilities and build identity for guiding transitions. Chiew stresses narrative in 376I: “With vision also comes a clear narrative… combined with accountability and hope,” leveraging global connectivity to amplify positive stories like rapid vaccine development and sharing knowledge to counter fear. The lesson: Use storytelling to unite voices, track progress, and inspire collective action for resilient futures, connecting inspirational visions to accountable, hope-filled implementation.

These five lessons form a blueprint: balance visionary spark with systems depth; embrace holistic resilience; cultivate belonging through co-design; ignite leadership at every level; and harness narratives for hope. The 375R debate‘s conceptual push complements Chiew’s practical wisdom in 376I, showing urban change needs both ambition and grounded steps.

What vision inspires your city?

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Next week we are investigating the economic importance of mid-sized cities for positive urban futures with Remco Deelstra!

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Share your thoughts – I’m at wtf4cities@gmail.com or @WTF4Cities on Twitter/X.

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