The Role of Governments in the Circulation of Urban Models and Knowledge: The Case of China-Singapore Collaboration Projects

Politecnico di Milano, Building 12, 2nd floor, Sala Riunioni
25 September – 11:00

PhD Candidate Siyuan Li presents her ongoing research. This seminar explores how the “Singapore Model” of urban planning, characterized by its modular and state-led structure, has been selectively transferred and adapted through China–Singapore government-to-government collaborations. Focusing on the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City case studies, the presentation examines how planning knowledge is mobilized, reinterpreted, and reshaped within different institutional settings. It highlights how different components of the “Singapore Model” are selectively adopted or contested locally. The seminar also reflects on Asia’s emerging role not only as a recipient, but as a generator and circulator of urban planning knowledge.

Introduction: Davide Ponzini (Politecnico di Milano)

Discussants:
Chye Kiang Heng (DoA, National University of Singapore)
Paolo Scrivano (Politecnico di Milano)

Milan Cultural Mega-events: From the 2015 Expo through the 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan is undergoing significant transformations. Its city image and reputation as an international tourist destination have been on the rise, along with developments in its business and real estate market. These transformations are often perceived as closely linked to the city’s cultural vibrancy and its two mega-events: the 2015 Expo and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. However, the relationship between these mega-events and smaller cultural and entertainment activities in the city has received limited attention. Furthermore, Milan’s cultural heritage is frequently considered merely a component of the city’s image. While the positive impact of these transformations is visible and celebrated, the potential difficulties, and uneven effects they may entail often remain unexplored and unaddressed. Milan Cultural Mega-Events critically examines the planning, implementation, and legacy of these mega-events from urban and cultural perspectives. It highlights the achievements as well as the limitations of the complex governance of mega-events and explores ways to improve Milan’s trajectory through its “mega-event decade” and beyond.

Ponzini, D., Jones, Z.M., Di Vita, S., Jreij, A., Propp (2024) Milan Cultural Mega-events: From the 2015 Expo through the 2026 Winter Olympics. Milan: Lettera Ventidue 

by Davide Ponzini, Zachary M. Jones, Stefano Di Vita, Abdallah Jreij with Propp

Available at Lettera Ventidue

Urban heritage fragility and antifragility: Matera and the 2019 European Capital of Culture

Ponzini, D., Jones Z.M., Tommarchi, E., D’Armento, S., Scandiffio, A., Bianchini, F. (2024) ‘Urban heritage fragility and antifragility: Matera and the 2019 European Capital of Culture’, in F. Curci and D. Chiffi (Eds.) Fragility and Antifragility in Cities and Regions. Edward Elgar Publishing, pp. 198–212. DOI: 10.4337/9781035312559.00021.