Description

Talking Circles offer an opportunity to meet other delegates with similar interests and concerns. Delegates self-select into groups based on broad thematic areas and then engage in extended discussion about the issues and concerns they feel are of utmost importance to that segment of the Research Network. Participation is open, encouraged, and supported.

How Do They Work?

The Talking Circles are grouped around each of the conference themes so discussions can focus on the specific areas of interest represented by each theme.  

How to Begin:

Allow members of the group to briefly introduce themselves. 

The facilitator should encourage open dialogue and ensure a collegial and respectful conversation. 

Starting Questions to Assist Discussion

Talking Circle: Who are we?

What is the territory, or scope, or landscape of this thematic area?

What are the burning issues, the key questions for this theme?

What are the forces or drivers that will affect us as professionals, thinkers, citizens, and aware and concerned people whose focus is this particular theme?

What are the future directions (in research, in theory-building, in practice) for this thematic area?

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Asocial Forms: Reconfiguring Possibilities of Urban Space

In our cities, the built environment and physical forms play crucial roles in shaping social interactions and community building. However, many urban spaces have come to be characterized by “asocial forms,” physical structures and spaces that lack connections to other parts of the city or do not foster social interaction between individuals. These forms can contribute to a sense of isolation and disconnection among residents, leading to a fragmented and asocial society.

This conference explores the relationship between asocial forms and social life in the urban environment, examining the ways in which the design and use of urban spaces can either facilitate or hinder social interaction. Societal shifts long in the making have contributed to today’s conditions, such as suburbanization, individualization through single-family housing, car-dependent isolation, and technology that caters to the individual over the collective. It can be argued that by reconfiguring asocial forms and creating more opportunities for social interaction, cities can foster a sense of community and enhance the overall well-being of residents.

Through a critical examination of current conditions, case studies, and best practices, the conference provides insights into how urban designers, planners, and policymakers can promote social connections and create more inclusive and livable cities.