SUD Public Lecture – Tomorrow’s Public Spaces: Design for Adaptation & Inclusion

Tomorrow’s Public Spaces: Design for Adaptation & Inclusion

The Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Program at Vietnamese-German University (VGU) is pleased to announce an upcoming public lecture titled:

“Tomorrow’s Public Spaces: Design for Adaptation & Inclusion”

As cities worldwide face growing challenges related to climate change, urban density, social inequality, and changing patterns of everyday life, public spaces are increasingly recognized as critical infrastructures for resilience, inclusion, and urban wellbeing. This public lecture brings together international scholars and urban practitioners to explore how public spaces can be reimagined as adaptive, people-centered, and socially inclusive environments.

📅 Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
🕘 Time: 09:00 – 11:30 (Registration from 08:30)
📍 Venue: VGU Ho Chi Minh City Campus
5th Floor, 130–132 Hong Ha Street, Duc Nhuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Featured Speakers

Prof. Kelly Shannon

Urban Design Researcher

Lecture Topic:
Learning from the Everyday Public Realm

Prof. Kelly Shannon will share insights on how everyday urban spaces—including streets, sidewalks, waterways, and neighborhood public spaces—can serve as valuable laboratories for understanding urban life, spatial appropriation, climate adaptation, and inclusive design.

Prof. Bruno De Meulder

Landscape Urbanism, KU Leuven

Lecture Topic:
Exemplary Public Space Upgrades for Global Warming & Inclusion: Strategies from Paris

Drawing on international experiences and design research, Prof. Bruno De Meulder will present innovative approaches to street reprofiling, regional park systems, and public space transformation that respond to climate challenges while promoting social inclusion.

Dr. Pham Thai Son

Sustainable Urban Development Program, VGU

Lecture Topic:
Toward Inclusive and Adaptive Public Space: Using the APST Framework

Dr. Pham Thai Son will introduce the APST framework (Activity – People – Space – Time) as an evidence-based approach to understanding public space usage and translating urban observations into responsive design strategies.

Interactive Learning Session

In addition to the keynote lectures, participants will join an interactive session guided by all speakers, where they will explore how to analyze and redesign public spaces using the APST framework. This hands-on exercise aims to connect theory with practice and provide participants with practical tools for urban research and design.

Who Should Attend?

This event welcomes:

  • Lecturers and researchers
  • Urban planners, architects, and practitioners
  • Students and young professionals
  • Anyone interested in sustainable urban development, public space, and urban design

Registration

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.

📝 Register here:
https://forms.gle/HMy5HYSwMDJqo1uw9

The SUD Program warmly welcomes you to join this inspiring academic exchange and contribute to shaping more resilient, inclusive, and liveable cities.

  • Date : May 9, 2026
  • Time : 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (Asia/Saigon)
  • Venue : VGU City Campus

Organizers

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