In addition, there will be the Solar and Electric Vehicle Conference, the ISES Solar Cities Project and many Preconference Workshops. The latest developments and product in renewable and sustainable technology will be displayed at an indoor and outdoor International Exhibition which will be held concurrently with the Congress. RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Australian and New Zealand cities face difficult challenges as they confront the 21st Century. New suburbs have become anonymous. Environmental and social costs have become high.
Citizens are highly dependent on cars.
Insufficient local employment forces long commutes to work. Newly built environments are poorly suited to the challenges of the global economy. The practice of New Urbanism in Australia and New Zealand is providing practical answers to these challenges. A public lecture 'Reinventing the Edge ' featuring the ex-Mayor of Bilbao, Josu Ortoundo and Jerusalem's leading architect and urban designer, Arie Rahimimoff. Thursday, September 28 at the Capitol Theatre Melbourne.