About upZ

urban publics Zurich (upZ) is a public forum that connects urbanists in and beyond Zurich, linking to urban research and practices worldwide. Inspired by diverse urban experiences, different interpretations of and engagements with urbanization processes, and the multiplicity of actors who engage with the urban, upZ fosters an open forum for Zurich’s urban publics.

upZ organizes periodic exchanges among scholars, activists, artists, practitioners, and policymakers open to exploring the urban through a series of public events. Our objectives are twofold: First, we aim to anchor, develop, and refresh internationally-oriented urban research and practices in Zurich. We will explore how Zurich can learn from urban experiences worldwide, and in turn, how Zurich can contribute to global urban debates. Second, we seek to strengthen links between urban actors in research, policy, activism, academia, and civil society, in order to discuss the locally relevant challenges of urbanism today.

upZ events are open, informal, and inclusive. They consist of a pre-defined program with plenty of time for discussion and further informal exchange. upZ is organized by scholars Hanna Hildbrandt (UZH), Lindsay Blair Howe (UniLi), David Kaufmann (ETHZ), and Philippe Koch (ZHAW).