Catch up on 2026 so far!
All the news, recordings, and more you might have missed from the first half of 2026 at the AoU
The start of July means we are already halfway through 2026, a year which we have enjoyed thoroughly so far at the AoU. If you missed any events or news, we've got you covered - below are all the event recordings and key articles to catch up on from the year so far.
News:
Click any red / bold text for further details
Introducing the AoU's new Co-chairs
Matt Lally and Shane Quinn step into the role for 2026-2028
Introducing the AoU's Strategic Priorities 2026-29
Read all about the AoU's strategic direction for the next three years
Introducing the 2026 Small Grants Scheme recipients
Three Young Urbanists have been awarded funding to help bring exciting, innovative projects to life as part of this year's Small Grants Scheme
Meet the AoU's newest Board Directors
Concha Aranda Iglesias and Ben Copithorne join the Academy's Board this spring
2026 Urbanism Awards finalists announced
Introducing this year's candidates for Great Streets + Spaces, Neighbourhood, Towns / Small City, and European City of the Year
Event recordings:
Click any red / bold text to watch the recording
The Urbanism Hour: Designing with Young People – Lessons from Camden
Speakers: Afiyah Alim, Johanna Gewolker, and Mohammed Lawal
Broadcast on Friday 30 January
AoU Founder's Lecture: The City Through A Child's Eyes
Speaker: Tina Saaby
Took place on Tuesday 10 February
Urbanism Beyond the Nuclear Family
Speakers: Jonny Anstead, Shira de Bourbon Parme, and Liane Hartley
Took place on Wednesday 4 March
The Urbanism Hour: The Role of the Library in the 21st Century
Speakers: Robert Seitovirta and Susan Wills MBE
Broadcast on Friday 27 March
The Urbanism Hour: Back to Back-to-Back
Speakers: Hal Mellen and Jonathan Wilson
Broadcast on Friday 29 May
The Urbanism Hour: Decarbonising the Suburbs
Speakers: Jonathan Bray and John Dales
Broadcast on Friday 26 June
Read:
Click red / bold text to read more
Event reflections: An Evening of Urbanism
Written by Tim Stonor
Event took place in Dubai on Thursday 15 January
Event reflections: Urbanism Beyond the Nuclear Family
Event took place in London on Wednesday 4 March
Urbanist Book Recommendations
Published on World Book Day, Thursday 5 March
Event reflections: Form Follows Fuel
Written by Caitlin Arbuckle-MacLeod
Event took place in Glasgow on Wednesday 18 March
Here & Now: Food & the City
Published on Friday 15 May
Event report: Adamstown Walking Tour
Written by David McDowell
Event took place in Dublin on Saturday 23 May
How do urbanism and joy align?
Published on Tuesday 9 June
Review: High-Rise by J.G. Ballard
Written by Alice Mayhew
Discussed at YU London Book Club on Wednesday 24 June
To find out about membership options, visit theaou.org/join
