In a recent dialogue with Shira de Bourbon Parme, we had the opportunity to learn more about her passion for urban development and how her projects address concepts of sustainability, diversity and inclusion. Before we delve into the details of this dialogue, let’s take a brief look at who Shira is and why she is among the speakers at the Culture of Nightlife Conference.
Shira originally trained as an architect, but later migrated to urban development planning. Holding a PhD in social anthropology, her mission is to coordinate spatial and social development projects with the aim of creating environments where people are able to enjoy well-being and a certain quality of life. Her effort focuses on identifying and responding to people’s physical, mental and social needs, and providing appropriate resources to meet those needs.
In the field of urban planning, while there is a clear tendency to pay attention to daytime issues, it is essential to consider night-time activities and needs. Many planning systems have a clear bias towards daytime planning, even though there are cities with specific night-time strategies. Approaching a project from the perspective of a full 24-hour cycle is crucial, but often not the starting point in planning.
When we asked for a more specific example of her work, Shira told us about working with local architects to encourage behaviors such as cycling, walking and using public transport. In addition, she is the one responsible for ensuring that issues of social isolation are addressed, that environments that encourage socializing are created.
My team developed the guidelines for a concept called ‘living well locally’ in Scotland, which subsequently became national policy. The concept promotes the idea that people can meet their daily needs without having to travel far. This includes the provision of services and facilities at a local level and the creation of an efficient town-wide transport system.
One of the main challenges here is balancing development with the need to be inclusive and avoid problems such as gentrification or the creation of invisible borders that can exclude parts of the population. Shira’s team addresses these issues through a strategy that seeks to maximize positive impact and minimize any potential negative impact.
Shira Bourbon offers a unique perspective on urban development, merging her experience as an architect with a deep understanding of the social and cultural needs of communities. Her sensitive and community-focused approach is an innovative way to address the challenges of urban planning in the modern world. Hear her live at the Culture of Nightlife Conference on September 30!
You can get your ticket for the Culture of Nightlife Conference from here.
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This project is part of the national cultural program “Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023” and is financed through the Grow Timișoara 2023 program, carried out by the Project Center of Timișoara Municipality, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.
The Night-Art Festival is presented by George, the first smart banking.
Sponsors: Fan Courier, Iulius Town, ATP Motors, Pepsi
Project partners: Leeds City Council, In-Edu Association Timișoara, German Cultural Center Timișoara, Cluj Cultural Center, West University Timișoara, University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca, Polytechnic University of Timișoara
Communication partners: Getica OOH, Aushopping galleries, Kiss Fm, Euromedia, Pressone.ro, G4Media.ro, World Wide Print, Daisler Print House, Știri din România, Tion, Express de Banat, IQOOL, Zile și Nopți, Știri de Timișoara, NewsVest, Adevărul, TVR, Radio Timișoara, România Pozitivă, Best of Timișoara