​The global economy is moving beyond the industrial development that fueled rapid urbanization in every nation. In Saudi Arabia Riyadh and Jeddah urban population jumped from around 35,000 in the 1930’s to over 5 million eachtoday. This is not exceptional and cities have literally formed in all nations in places linked to strong industrial economic drivers. This international trend is starting to change sometimes dramatically. Continuous improvementsin industrial productivity with automation and capitalization means less jobs are created and many jobs are destroyed or displaced. There is a corresponding impact on city growth and formation. Industrial production is also becoming more internationally footloose leaving some city regions entirely without their traditional economic base. These post-industrial trends are not always negative for the eected city region in spite of the immediate joblosses as industries shut or reduce workforces. The knowledge based post-industrial economy can favor cities as agglomerations of the skilled workforces and connectivity needed in the post industrial world economy.London as by far the largest industrial city in the world in 1900 is arguably the furthest along this post-industrial trend. London has lessons for all in adjusting to the economic changes that are now prevalent throughout the world.

The lecture will explore the underlying economic trends and use London as an example of the City Planning implications of a successful transition.

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