City transformations: urban age conference newspaper (Urban Age: City Transformations Conference, Rio de Janeiro, 24-25 October 2013)

he twentieth century saw an acceleration in the process of urbanisation, of a speed and pace of change that outstripped the genteel and planned expansion of Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and even London in the previous century. This process has accelerated even further since 2000, completely transforming the physiognomy of some cities in response to profound changes in global economic and social trends. Rio de Janeiro stands out today as a city that is embracing change and undergoing profound transformation. As such, it provides the ideal setting for an informed debate on the impacts of city transformations across the globe. This is why the Urban Age, an international investigation of cities jointly organised by the London School of Economics and Deutsche Bank’s Alfred Herrhausen Society, has chosen to hold its twelfth conference in this unique Brazilian city that is both investing and reflecting on the long-term impacts of such intense urban change. Over 70 speakers from 40 cities and 20 countries will be joining local urban experts, policymakers, investors, NGOs and academics to discuss these issues, with a view to improving our understanding of how to design, manage and live in more equitable urban environments.