Inaugural Lecture - Professor Taibat Lawanson

Inaugural Lecture - Professor Taibat Lawanson

^Curating African Urban Futures: Heritage, Sustainability and Phantoms of Utopia^

Liverpool School of Architecture - Budden Lecture Theatre

November3 , 2026 - 5:30pm (drinks reception) followed by the lecture at 6:30pm

We are delighted to wlecome you to an inspiring evening with Professor Taibat Lawanson

Africa's cities are being reshaped by 'smart' and 'eco' urban development models but often at odds with local needs and indigenous approaches to design and resilience. In this lecture, Professor Lawanson examines the tension between modern development visions and the lived realities of African urban communities, asking what gets lost when climate solutions overwrite historic placemaking. The lecture closes with a vision for urban futures grounded in heritage, shared space, and community solidarity.

Whether you're interested in Planning and Heritage studies and sustainability or simply want to celebrate this milestone, all are welcome.

Light refreshments will be served from 5:30pm, with the lecture beginning at 6:30pm.

Image: Makoko, Lagos. Credit: Deji Akinpelu.