Cities for Everyone:
Book Talk & Urban Design Workshop

Event Description

Join us for a special author talk and book presentation that explores how cities around the world are being re-imagined through inclusive, equitable, and people-centered design. This engaging session will bring together students, professors, staff, and community members for an inspiring discussion about the future of urban life and the transformative role of women in shaping it. This event is sponsored by the Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Social Sciences Division, DKU Environmental research Center (ERC), and the DKU Library.

Author talk: “Women Changing Cities”

December 6, 1:30–2:30 PM
Visitor Center (next to South Gate)

In the presentation of the book “Women Changing Cities,” Melissa and Chris Bruntlett highlight the groundbreaking work of female mayors, planners, advocates, and policymakers in reshaping urban spaces for the better. The book includes case studies from Barcelona, Bogotá, Brussels, Manila, Paris, Delhi, Kampala, Montréal, Tirana, and Sydney. Whether you’re passionate about gender equity, sustainable transport, or urban design, “Women Changing Cities” is a call to action and an inspiring blueprint for the future. Audience members will have the chance to engage in the Q&A session. This event is open to the entire DKU community. It is relevant to anyone interested in gender studies, female leadership, urban innovation, public policy, or sustainability. Guests from outside DKU are welcome to join, too! Click here to sign up. 

Workshop: “Creating Streets for People”

December 6, 3:00–4:30 PM

In this interactive session led by urban mobility experts Melissa Bruntlett and Chris Bruntlett, participants will map their own mobility experiences and identify barriers to access. We’ll break down the core elements of people-friendly street design with real-world examples, then use participants’ existing networks and skills to identify opportunities that help bring these ideas to life. This workshop invites students, faculty, and staff to actively engage with people-centered mobility design. Through collaborative reflection, attendees will learn how everyday movement through streets and public spaces is shaped by policy, design, and cultural norms—and what can be done to create more inclusive environments. This event is open to the entire DKU community and anyone interested in gender studies, urban innovation, public policy, or sustainability. Guests from outside DKU are welcome to join too!