Future Forward

Future Forward

An exploration of the future of cities based on an understanding of the past and strategic foresights about the future.

Episodes

July 19, 2025 33 secs

We are taking a summer break and can't wait to get back in a few weeks to share a new slate of exciting episodes about the future of cities and communities. 

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In this episode, Seyi and Reza explore the concept of cities as learning organisms, discussing how they can adapt and improve through feedback from their residents. They delve into historical examples of urban planning failures, current challenges in feedback mechanisms, and emerging innovations in city governance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of participatory governance, digital inclusion, and trust i...

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June 29, 2025 38 mins

museums, cities, cultural impact, economic contribution, community engagement, historical significance, challenges, future of museums, urban development, cultural heritage


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In this episode, Seyi and Reza explore the multifaceted role of museums in cities, discussing their historical significance, present-day impact, and the challenges they face. They delve into the economic contributions of museums, their role in ...

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi Fabode and Reza discuss the unintended positive consequences of urban design changes, focusing on curb cuts, protected bike lanes, pedestrian-only zones, accessible public restrooms, and audible pedestrian signals. They explore how these changes, initially aimed at specific groups, end up benefiting the broader community, enhancing safety, accessibility, and economic vitality in urba...

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June 15, 2025 38 mins

In this episode, Seyi and Reza explore the future of airports and their integration into urban environments. They discuss personal memories of airports, the evolution of airports from simple transport nodes to complex economic engines, and the challenges faced by airports today. Through case studies of Heathrow and Navi Mumbai airports, they highlight the balance between expansion and community impact, and the importance o...

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San Antonio, urban growth, historical context, tourism, infrastructure, social equity, strategic foresight, urban sustainability, economic dynamics, future scenarios

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi Fabode and Reza explore the urban landscape of San Antonio, Texas, discussing its historical roots, present-day challenges, and future possibilities. They delve into the city's growth, economic dynamics, an...

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Atlanta, future, urban development, transportation, demographics, water resilience, governance, case studies, city planning, sustainability

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In this episode, Seyi and Reza explore the future of Atlanta by examining its historical context, current demographics, and challenges. They discuss significant case studies, including Lake Lanier's water resilience issues and Alpharetta's suburban growth. The conversatio...

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May 25, 2025 41 mins

stadiums, community, economic impact, urban design, sports, belonging, future of stadiums, case studies, civic identity, sustainability

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi Fabode and Reza explore the evolution and future of stadiums, discussing their historical significance, economic impact, and role in fostering community and belonging. They delve into case studies of Q2 Stadium in Austin and Tottenham H...

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AI, energy infrastructure, data centers, urban planning, sustainability, technology demands, community impact, policy recommendations, future foresight, renewable energy

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza discuss the hidden costs of AI, particularly focusing on the energy demands of data centers and the implications for urban infrastructure. Seyi shares his extensive experience in the energy sec...

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Antalya, Kemer, travel, urban planning, sustainability, cultural experiences, community resilience, tourism, historical cities, Future Forward

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the cities of Antalya and Kemer in Turkey, discussing their historical significance, present-day tourism, cultural interactions, and community resilience. They delve into urban planning and sustainability practic...

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May 4, 2025 41 mins

In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the evolution and future of restaurants, discussing their historical significance, current trends, and the impact of COVID-19. They highlight the importance of community in dining experiences and examine case studies of notable restaurants that have shaped their communities. The conversation also delves into future predictions for the restaurant industry, emphasizing...

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April 27, 2025 33 mins

In this episode, Seyi and Reza explore the future of greener buildings, discussing the historical context of the green building movement, the current state of building sustainability, and two case studies: the retrofit of the British Library and the innovative design of The Edge in the Netherlands. They also share expert insights and predictions for the next generation of green buildings, emphasizing the importance of retr...

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the transformation of London from 2008 to the present, focusing on urban density, regeneration projects, and the impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit. They discuss key infrastructure developments, the challenges faced by Londoners, and the city's future prospects as a global city. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, sustainable transportation, and the ...

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April 13, 2025 32 mins

In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the concept of the 15-minute city, discussing its historical context, the impact of urban planning on community, and the importance of social equity in urban development. They highlight the challenges of implementing such cities and emphasize the need for strategic foresight in designing future urban environments that prioritize human scale and accessibility.


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April 6, 2025 27 mins

In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the concept of smarter cities, discussing the evolution from traditional smart cities to more inclusive and community-focused urban environments. They delve into the historical context of smart city initiatives, cautionary tales like the Sidewalk Labs project in Toronto, and successful examples from cities like Barcelona, Seoul, and Curitiba. The conversation emphasi...

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March 30, 2025 37 mins

This conversation delves into the future of megacities, exploring their historical context, current challenges, and potential opportunities. The hosts discuss the rapid urbanization trends, the strain on infrastructure, and the socio-economic inequalities that megacities face. They also highlight the importance of sustainable practices and regional cooperation in urban planning, while projecting future scenarios for megaci...

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March 23, 2025 41 mins

In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore five pivotal events that have reshaped urban environments. They discuss the impact of cars on city planning, the rise of suburbia, the phenomenon of urbanization and mega cities, the influence of climate change on urban resilience, and the transformative effects of COVID-19 on urban spaces. Through these discussions, they highlight the importance of sustainable pract...

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In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the vibrant city of Mumbai, discussing its rich history, current challenges, and future opportunities. They delve into the city's transformation from a group of islands to a bustling metropolis, highlighting significant infrastructure projects and the ongoing Dharavi redevelopment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community interactions and the unique cu...

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resilience, community, organizational culture, human connection, public spaces, urban greening, participatory governance, well-being, stress management, social cohesion


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In this conversation, Seyi, Reza, and Chris Tamjidi explore the concept of resilience from individual, organizational, and community perspectives. They discuss how resilience is not merely about enduring stress but involves the ability to ...

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cities, urban planning, community engagement, creativity, book writing, sustainable communities, poetry, storytelling, expertise, curiosity


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In this conversation, Seyi and Reza discuss their upcoming book about cities, inspired by the lack of existing literature that resonates with their vision. They emphasize a unique approach that combines storytelling, poetry, and community engagement, aiming to create ...

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