Public Lecture by Sarah Cowles — “Tbilisi, unfolding”, moderator — Peter Culley

Sarah Cowles presented an overview of climate issues facing the city of Tbilisi and how rapid, poorly planned development increases flood risks and contributes to higher urban temperatures. She shared Arsenal Oasis and the Tbilisi Urban Forest, two recent projects by Ruderal that demonstrate new approaches to urban landscape interventions that mitigate these issues and create novel public spaces. Architect Peter Culley of Spatial Affairs Bureau then discussed the inherent potential of unsealing the city: removing pavements and hard surfaces to intercept the intense rainfalls and reduce the urban heat island effect. In the lively Q&A, they encouraged citizens to unite and present city leaders with similar visions for a greener, cooler, and more resilient Tbilisi.