Eugenie Birch: On Literature, Leadership, and Long-Term Urban Thinking
We spoke with Eugenie Birch, Nussdorf Professor of Urban Research at the University of Pennsylvania and Co-Director of the Penn Institute for Urban Research, about her experience on the Judging Committee, the contribution of books to advancing global agendas, and their relevance for long-term urban planning. Here are her reflections:
CELEBRATING URBAN LITERATURE THROUGH A UNIQUE AWARD
"First, I am thrilled that the Pattis family has created this award. It is unique and gives attention to today’s urban literature. As a member of last year’s competition, I was privileged to read the selections. I hope that my participation is helpful."
SIGNS OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
"For more than four decades, I have been a student of urban life and its development. The growth of cities in the emerging economies has been extraordinary. I have seen enormous progress in some areas – poverty levels, while still significant, have declined. The informal settlements that I witnessed emerging in Latin America have become integral parts of many cities – a condition that should inform the progressive improvement of such places in other parts of the world.
City and Regional Planning has gained more support as multilateral development banks and other contributors to urban growth have provided. These are some of the hopeful signs that the New Urban Agenda has captured and that 193 nations have endorsed – along with the other critical global agendas, including the Agenda 2030 with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement."
A COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
"We have important work in front of us: to bring more focus to subnational development and associated finance into the forefront of national and global discussions. The Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award is a critically important contributor to this effort."
* A prominent voice in global urbanization, Professor Birch has played leading roles in UN-Habitat and various professional planning organizations. Her work focuses on sustainable urban development, equitable city planning, and the right to the city.
