Watch the "(Re)Connecting River and City – The Seine in Paris and the Île-de-France" conference

"(Re)Connecting River and City – The Seine in Paris and the Île-de-France: A Model for Nature Positive Approaches in World Heritage Cities for Climate Resilience" conference, organized by Carola Hein, Professor and Chair History of Architecture and Urban Planning at Delft University of Technology, UNESCO Chair Water, Ports and Historic Cities and 2024-2025 research-fellow at the Paris IAS (Sorbonne Université Chair).

Presentation

At a time of climate change, it is urgent to rethink the relationship of residents and built heritage with rivers, seas, and other water bodies. Ecosystem thinking and value-based approaches can help (re)create livable, sustainable and just spaces in line with historical practices while protecting, adapting and learning from history and heritage.

The histories we write, the designs we make and the heritage we value for living with water today and in the future require attention. Exploring natural and cultural heritage as well as intangible practices can help build new narratives for World Heritage Cities along rivers where growing citizen interest in water and water activities challenges paradigms of the modern, industrial past and invites for better protection of heritage, and the design of sustainable futures. The World Heritage property of Paris, Banks of the Seine is a valuable case study both for exploring both challenges and opportunities for living with water.

Review the highlights:

Welcome

Carola HEIN, Negotiating Conflicting Values for Sustainable and Inclusive Development

Laurence LESTEL, Perspectives and reflections on the seine in Paris and the Île-de-France from hosts

Jyoti HOSAGRAHAR, Urban heritage for sustainable development andclimate action