Foundations 19 – Infrastructure Space

Keynote by Ricky Burdett

Hong Kong

Shanghai

Mumbai

Indicator for social conditions Infrastructure can reveal much about

aspects like education level or social inequity. It therefore deserves close examination. The English urbanist Ricky Burdett con- ducts such analyses and draws important

conclusions for future-oriented projects.

Urbanist Ricky Burdett did not miss the opportunity to begin with a compliment for the LafargeHolcim Foundation: “It’s the first time I’ve been to your Forum, and immediately I’m jealous. The interdisciplinary nature of the discussions, especially here in Detroit, is really of great significance!” This led directly into the topic of his keynote address: the social impact of infra- structure on urban development and the importance of a holistic approach.

New York’s Central Park shows that things can actually be improved through well-planned investments in infrastructure.

Education levels and the quality of education are totally correlated to how close you are to the city center and also to distance to public transport. « »

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