Vital Cities and Citizens

Vital Cities and Citizens or VCC is an ongoing initiative of Erasmus University Rotterdam that aims to enhance the quality of life in cities.

General introduction

VCC aims to enhance the quality of life in urban areas through scientific research and advice, knowledge sharing and networking. Globalisation, technological change, international migration and growing inequality are increasing the complexity of the social structure and cultural makeup of cities worldwide. Within this initiative the researchers from various fields of science work closely together with professionals from different cities to identify conditions for equal living opportunities, safe living environments, and the harmonious coexistence of an increasingly diverse population. In vital cities, residents can achieve their life goals through education, meaningful work and participation in public life. A vital city is a platform for creativity and diversity, and a safe meeting place for various social groups. VCC has four sub-themes: Inclusive Cities and Diversity, Resilient Cities and People, Smart Cities and City Communities, and Sustainable and Just Cities.

Main insights on/for sustainable just cities

VCC directly works towards Sustainable and Just Cities as it is one of its sub-themes. These are cities that (strive to) meet the following four conditions:

• Improving the quality of life and well-being;
• Meeting the needs of both present and future generations;
• Enabling justice and equity in terms of recognition, process, procedure, and outcome;
• Living within ecosystem limits

Many social movements and organizations across the world, including activists, entrepreneurs, researchers, policy-makers and other citizens, are collaborating to create more sustainable and just cities. They are striving for access to basic needs (e.g. housing, energy, water, food, healthcare), while also respecting future generations and other living creatures. Under this sub-theme, VCC critically engages with these movements. It also takes the complex political interlinkages between ecological, social and economic challenges in urban contexts as a fundamental starting point of their interdisciplinary research.

Suggested key readings & links

• Hayward, C., & Lukes, S. (2008). Nobody to shoot? Power, structure, and agency: A dialogue. Journal of Power, 1(1), 5-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/17540290801943364
• Manifesto for Transformative Social Innovation (2017), https://tsimanifesto.org/

Link to other Wiki-pages

All the approaches in UrbanA Wiki’s Database of Approaches directly or indirectly relates to the VCC’s Sustainable and Just Cities sub-theme. Given below are key examples:

• Reconceptualising urban justice and sustainability
• Right to the city (YOU ARE WELCOME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PAGE!)
• Right to housing
• Policies and practices for inclusion of disadvantaged groups
• Experimentation labs

Further reading

Links

• VCC main page: https://www.eur.nl/en/research/erasmus-initiatives/vital-cities-and-citizens
• VCC sub-themes: https://www.eur.nl/en/research/erasmus-initiatives/vital-cities-and-citizens/sub-themes
• News about Vital Cities and Citizens: https://www.eur.nl/onderzoek/erasmus-initiatives/vital-cities-and-citizens/nieuws-en-verhalen
• Events on Vital Cities and Citizens: https://www.eur.nl/en/research/erasmus-initiatives/vital-cities-and-citizens/events

Publications