Join experts like Abha Joshi-Ghani, an urban development guru, and Professor Edgar Pieterse, a visionary in urban policy, as they dissect how cities earn their unique traits. They explore how historical contexts, colonial legacies, and cultural adaptations shape urban identities. Discussions highlight the resilience of areas like Manhattan and the blending of old and new architectural forms. The risks of cloning urban traits in new settings are also examined, prompting a conversation on context-specific planning amidst rapid global changes.

This discussion features a star-studded panel including Prof Edgar Pieterse, an urban planning expert; Prof Mike Batty, a complex systems guru; Dr Jaana Remes, an economist focused on urban growth; Dr Karissa Sanbomatsu, who bridges genetics and urban identity; Abha Joshi Ghani, a finance specialist; and Prof Ricky Burdett, an urban design scholar. They explore whether cities have a 'DNA,' dissecting urban evolution and identity influenced by historical context. The captivating conversation also draws parallels between genetic adaptability and cities responding to their social environments.