Vision of the Forum

In an era of rapid technological innovation reshaping our built environment, cities stand at a pivotal crossroads. The built environment—a space where work, life, and nature converge—not only shapes the physical form of urban spaces but also profoundly influences community well-being and ecological sustainability. Amid rapid socioeconomic shifts, ecological pressures, and technological breakthroughs, cities face both immense potential and unprecedented challenges.

To rise to this challenge, Tongji University’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning has launched the Global Dean’s Forum, a dynamic platform for global dialogue that unites deans, leading scholars, and industry pioneers. Here, we engage deeply with the urgent issues reshaping urban environment, capitalize on opportunities arising from innovation and cultural shifts, and collaboratively design interdisciplinary solutions to shape the future of cities. By 2025, the forum has already attracted participation from nearly 30 top-tier universities worldwide, forging a robust global network that bridges research, technology, and real-world impact.

5th Global Dean’s Forum

Reshaping Frontier of Future Cities

Heng Chye Kiang

Deputy Dean and Provost’s Chair Professor, College of Design and Engineering; Former Dean of School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Evan Douglis

Dean and Professor， School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Solaguren Beascoa de Corral, Felix

Dean and Professor, Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB), Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC)

王兰  Lan Wang

Dean and Professor, College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji University

At the crossroads of globalization and localization, where technological innovation meets ecological demands, reimagining future cities has become a critical challenge. Through this forum, we aim to collaborate with global scholars and practitioners to address two key questions: How can we build future cities grounded in science and shaped by culture? How can interdisciplinary collaboration balance technological progress with human-centered design?

The Fifth Global Dean's Forum will drive progress through a Scientific Foundations + Interdisciplinary Practice framework, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation across architecture, planning, and landscape fields. By uniting global expertise, the forum seeks to transform theoretical insights into practical strategies for sustainable urban development.