Culture as a building block: How the Middle East can inspire future cities

In this episode of Culture Bites, host Enas Refaei explores how arts and culture can influence the development of future cities in the Middle East. She speaks to Adrian Lahoud, an architecture and urban design professor, about the importance of incorporating communities into city projects from the outset and allowing cultural growth to happen naturally.

Lahoud asserts that successful cities require more than just physical structures; they need vibrant cultural elements that foster community engagement. He emphasizes the necessity of providing adequate resources and freedom for cultural initiatives to flourish organically within urban environments.

Furthermore, Lahoud draws attention to the Middle East's potential lessons for other regions grappling with climate change impacts on city planning. He posits that architecture can play a pivotal role in shaping socially conscious cities capable of adapting to rising temperatures.

Enas also interviews Bill Bragin, the founding executive artistic director of The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. Bragin champions culture as an essential form of infrastructure, capable of uniting diverse communities and creating places where individuals feel compelled to build their lives.

The conversation delves into how The Arts Centre has facilitated connections among UAE artists, encouraging collaboration and professional development. Bragin highlights the importance of exposing audiences to unfamiliar works as a vital factor in cultivating a thriving cultural scene in cities worldwide.