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Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Envisioning Urban Futures

As part of The Long View Project, the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, the Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program, and the NC State University Libraries invite you to explore cities of the near and distant future.

Collage by Tatiana Veloso

Envisioning Urban Futures: Charlanta

What do cities of the future look like? As population continues to grow and societies increasingly urbanize, megacities like Charlanta (a projected megalopolis stretching from Charlotte to Atlanta and beyond) are an inevitability. How can we grow in ways that draw on creativity, resilience, and innovative uses of technology to prioritize livability, sustainability, and harmony with the surrounding environment?

In October of 2023, the first “Envisioning Urban Futures” event began the process of exploring cities of the future through a bold, utopian lens. On November 13th, 2024, Envisioning Urban Futures: Charlanta will bring together experts from across disciplines to look specifically at the Southeastern megalopolis and share visions for how inevitability can be compatible with livability and sustainability.

Event schedule:

  • 5:30-7:00 pm – Expo (posters, art, demos) and “future food”, drinks, music
  • 7:00-8:15 pm – Talks
  • 8:15-9:00 pm – Expo and networking (continued)

Present at the Expo

If you are a researcher (undergrad, grad, postdoc, faculty, or government/non-profit/industry) doing work in any discipline which is relevant to envisioning and preparing for the megacities of the future, please consider submitting a proposal to present a poster at the “Expo” by completing this form.  You can also use that form to submit a proposal for a demo or poster sharing relevant work being done by your unit or organization.  We welcome proposals to participate as a presenter in the Expo from anyone within or beyond the NC State community.

Keynote Speaker: Dan Burden

Dan Burden is widely recognized as a thought-leader and implementation-focused practitioner in walkability, active transportation, traffic calming, safe routes to school, placemaking, and street design. He brings diverse teams together, integrating transportation planning with land use and health programming to build inclusive and vibrant communities. His expertise is in helping communities envision and implement streets that promote walking, bicycling, and social engagement.

Featured Speakers

  • Adam Terando – Research Ecologist with the US Geological Survey at the Southeast Climate Science Adaptation Center, North Carolina State University
  • Dara Bloom – Associate Professor of Agricultural and Human Sciences, and Assistant Director of Community Based Food Systems for the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina State University
  • Francis de los Reyes – Glenn E. and Phyllis J. Futrell Distinguished Professor of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University
  • Liz McCormick – Assistant Professor of Architecture, UNC Charlotte

Register to Attend

Attendance is free, but you must register in advance at this registration page.

Last year’s event filled up quickly so register soon!

About the Symposium

This symposium is jointly organized and sponsored by NC State University’s Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, NC State University’s Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program, and the NC State University Libraries.

More Information

For more information on this event, or to be added to an interest list, please reach out to Dr. Jory Weintraub, Director of Science Engagement (weintraub@ncsu.edu).