I am delighted to welcome Dr Antwi Akom to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Dr Akom spoke last week at the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects conference held here in Christchurch and has spent a few days exploring the city.
Dr. Antwi Akom has an extensive background in building collaborative, community-facing technology projects and new models of urban innovation that help cities become smarter, more equitable, just and sustainable.
He is a Distinguished Professor and the Founding Director of The Social Innovation Lab - the first joint research lab between the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF Medical School) and San Francisco State University.
In 2016, Dr. Akom co-founded Streetwyze—a technology and human centred design firm which supports equitable community development.
His forthcoming book will be published by Routledge Press and is called Re-imagining Smart Cities: Place-Making and the Power of Innovation.
The title for this evening talk is Creating equitable neighbourhoods.
Dr Antwi Akom’s presentation will address a number of key issues including what designing for equity looks like in the 21st century, how planning and design can break down social inequalities and increase participation, and the role technology plays.
This is a timely conversation for our city as we realise a city of opportunity for all. Continuing to build our economy, attract and retain talent, and create great places in which everyone can belong.
We’re very fortunate to have Dr Akom here with us to share some of his experience and prompt ongoing conversations. I’m very much looking forward to this conversation, thank you for joining us this evening.