24 November 2026 (Tuesday), 15:00-16:00 JST
IDEC Large Conference Room
(in-person only)
About the Lecture
This lecture examines how culture and creativity can serve as strategic drivers of urban transformation in India, a country with diverse and rich cultural heritage. Moving beyond conventional infrastructure-led development, it explores the growing role of the creative economy in shaping resilient, inclusive, and globally visible cities. Drawing on the UNESCO Creative Cities framework and the case of Kozhikode—India’s first UNESCO City of Literature—the lecture highlights how literary heritage, performing arts, gastronomy, public spaces, and cultural industries can be mobilized for city branding, placemaking, tourism, employment generation, and sustainable regional development. It also discusses how intangible cultural assets can be translated into tangible planning outcomes through innovative governance, cultural mapping, and strategic urban policy. Situated within wider shifts from product-based to idea-driven economies, the lecture offers insights into how Indian cities can harness their creative capital to foster economic vitality, social cohesion, and distinctive urban futures.
About the Speaker
Dr. Mohammed Firoz C is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Planning at the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC), India, and Chairperson of the Centre for Climate Resilience and Disaster Management. An academic, researcher, and policy advisor with over 22 years of experience, his work focuses on climate-resilient urban development, smart and liveable cities, regional planning, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable infrastructure.
Dr. Firoz has served as a Visiting Associate Professor at Keio University, Japan; a Visiting Faculty at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; and a Visiting Teacher at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London. His academic and research collaborations span Asia, Europe, and North America, complemented by consultancy and advisory engagements with government agencies and international funding institutions.
Dr. Firoz advises governments, international organisations, and professional bodies on urban policy, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilient community development. In recognition of his research contributions, he received the Best Researcher Award in the Mid-Career Faculty category from NIT Calicut in 2026. He has authored and edited seven books and published more than 50 scholarly works.
You must be logged in to post a comment.