On October 31, World Cities Day, Benoy Design Director, Gregory Kovacs, delivered an insightful address at the 2024 Shanghai International City and Architecture Expo, entitled “A Great Shift Forward: Redefining Development Through Regeneration.”
In his presentation, Gregory explored the unprecedented urbanization journey China has experienced over the last four decades, with over 60% of the nation’s population now living in urban areas. With the pace of urban growth slowing, he emphasised the importance of adapting to a new phase of urban development that presents both challenges and exciting prospects.
Gregory highlighted a fundamental shift from new developments to regeneration, focusing on large-scale urban renewal and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and the revitalisation of public spaces. He drew a compelling analogy between the brain and cities, illustrating that just as the brain connects neurons, cities connect people. He pointed out that while cities occupy only 3% of the Earth’s surface, they account for 38% of global CO2 emissions, underscoring the urgent need for our built environment to prioritise meaningful connections over mere expansion.
Throughout his talk, Gregory showcased a series of regenerative projects across Asia that integrate social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The case studies illustrate how these principles can shape the future of urban development, emphasising the creation of public spaces that are inclusive, culturally vibrant, and environmentally sustainable.
The 2024 Shanghai International City and Architecture Expo took place from October 31 to November 2, 2024, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, focusing on urban construction, planning, and management. The event promoted sustainable urbanization and global collaboration in urban innovation and smart city technologies, while providing insights into future urban growth. Accompanying the expo were high-level forums addressing key topics such as green building alliances, urban renewal, smart city governance, and sustainable urban development in the region.
