Page 20 - Landscape-Issue127

FEATURE

BUILDING BACK BETTER

Building innovative, liveable and sustainable public places

The Academy of Leisure Sciences Africa (ALSA) will host the 2023 International Congress
to discuss the above topic. This will take place online from 1 – 4 September 2023.

ince 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic,
social unrest and the negative effects
Sof climate change have taken their
toll on peoples’ health, the economy and
the environment. ALSA has put together a
congress which extends a call for a diverse
range of experts who work within the public
space to engage in a discourse that will
help to build back better. Speakers include
practitioners, researchers, academics,
students and policy makers, who will share
their vision, expertise and experiences in
addressing these critical issues. Dedicated to education and producing
The congress will provide a platform
for experts from diverse disciplines to unrivalled turf quality within your budget
explore how public spaces are assessed,
equitably designed and experienced
during leisure time, with the aim of optimal
health, preservation of the environment
and neutralising the effects of climate
change. We consider this an opportunity
dedicated to collaborating across borders
and disciplines to create a socially just,
equitable and healthy public space where
everyone can thrive. and strong partnerships across sectors; and Occupational Therapist, Canada
It is opportune to address these issues • well thought-out plans, governance, Dr Josephine Marie Godwyll (Ghana)
as the world attempts to emerge from transparency and accountability in the – Spatial Scientist and Community
the pandemic, confronted by the Russia- management of public, private and Development, Canada
Ukraine war and continued economic and non-governmental resources; and Dr Anju Beniwal – Professor of Sociology,
environmental difficulties. We consider • designing spaces to promote diversity, India
leveraging all resources in designing and equity and inclusion. Ms Marianne Schapmans – Participatory
managing public spaces to create stronger Action and Story Telling, Belgium
communities, promote the economy and Speakers Ms Cristina Sassaki – Urban Parks Planner,
create inclusive cities. Public spaces have To achieve the above objectives, keynote USA
the potential to become valuable assets and invited speakers will share their Ms Stephanie Firestone – Senior Strategic
to improve quality of life and reduce the expertise, current practice, and knowledge Policy Advisor, Equity by Design (AARP), USA
impact of climate change through the to Build Back Better. They include: Prof Junichiro Inutsuka – Professor
implementation of renewed public policies Philosophy and Mediology, Japan
and strategies. Dr Nevin Harper – Outdoor Therapy and Ms Safaa Chafari (Morocco) – Architect,
In every city, the urban public spaces Counsellor, Canada Urbanist and Founder of Urban Inclusion for
where people interact are key for Dr Cecil Konijnendijk – Director, Nature Gender, Diversity and Urban Development,
innovation and partnerships between Based Solutions Institute, Netherlands Belgium
municipalities, the private sector and Prof Xiaoqi Feng – Professor of Urban Health Dr Savis Gohari – Professor of Urban Facility
residents, in order to create vibrant and Environment, Australia Management, Finland.
and inclusive neighbourhoods. By Dr Husam AlWaer – Architect and Human
implementing public policies and Centred Urbanist, Scotland We commit to creating
strategies and adopting a human-centred Dr Samah El Khateeb – PI Smart and Future
approach, an environmentally sustainable, Cities Laboratory, Egypt meaningful action which
economically vibrant and socially inclusive Mr Ali Heshmati – Senior Architect and
world may emerge for the enjoyment of Human Centred Design Architecture, Norway aligns with the overall
future generations. Prof Adriana Estrada-Gonzalez – Professor of
The objectives of the congress are to Leisure and Tourism, Mexico theme of Building Back
focus on: Dr John Henderson – Co-founder and Better.
• desirable outcomes, policies and President of Green Spaces 4 DC, USA
strategies that will result in collaboration Ms Anne Robillard – Founder of Wild Results n

For further information email info@academyofleisuresciences.co.za or visit our website https://www.academyofleisuresciences.co.za

18 Landscape SA • Issue 127 2023