The 2025 edition of the “City Collaboratory Meeting” took place in Geneva on May 23, 2025.

The City Collaboratory is a dynamic network that fosters interdisciplinary research and collaboration on urban issues in Switzerland and beyond. It aims to cultivate a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to deepening our understanding of urban complexity.

Following previous editions in Lausanne and Zurich, this year’s meeting focused on housing and innovative methods in urban research. The event offered participants a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections, exchange insights on shared challenges, and spark new initiatives.

At the SDG Solution Space, the day opened with a World Café structured around four key themes: Inclusive City, Urban Margins, Sensitive Methods, and Digital Methods. This interactive format offered participants a valuable opportunity to connect, share their research, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

The morning continued with a compelling keynote by Michele Lancione, whose presentation, “The Colonies of Home”, drew an audience of nearly 80 participants. His talk sparked deep reflection on the structural injustices embedded in the concept of home.

The discussion that followed was moderated by Julie de Dardel, Assistant Professor at the University of Geneva, and Lucas Pattaroni, Professor at EPFL. Together, they guided a rich exchange focused on the violent and unequal foundations of housing and the broader quest for housing justice.

Lunch on the rooftop, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Geneva skyline, provided a welcome moment of pause and informal exchange before the afternoon program began.

Participants then split into three groups of around twenty people each for guided visits to two recent urban developments: one in the Eco-Quartier de la Jonction and the other in the Praille-Acacias-Vernets (PAV) district.

Throughout the tours, participants engaged in thoughtful, critical, and constructive dialogue. Drawing on both regional and international perspectives, urban researchers offered insightful comparisons and raised questions that deepened the collective reflection on contemporary urban transformation.

To round off the day, a convivial aperitif was held at the university building on 66 rue Carl-Vogt, offering one last chance to connect and reflect together. On this occasion, the next edition of the City Collaboratory Meeting—set to take place in Basel—was officially announced. The organizing team was warmly thanked for their dedication and efforts in making the event a success.

Don’t forget to sign up for the City Collaboratory mailing list and directory to stay connected and informed about future initiatives!

It was a pleasure to see you all—until next time!

Armelle Choplin and Blaise Dupuis, on the behalf of the organising team in Geneva