If you look up at night in the city, chances are you can count the visible stars on your fingers and toes. Urban lighting has drowned out our view of the stars and the milky way, causing a disconnect between urban-dwelling humans and the night sky. In this episode we discuss this disconnect and the design solutions cities are implementing to reconnect us with the universe.

Saskia Sassen in conversation with Michele Acuto to discuss the brutality of housing inequalities and the social impact from a global perspective. This recording is

Will we see different ‘after dark’ scenes once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and how can we need to plan for them?

The way cities are built and operate have changed how we sleep and not only humans are affected, we’ve changed the sleep patterns of urban flora and fauna too.

Who is allowed to be part of the urban night and who is excluded?

What is the city like when you work at night? Who watches the kids without child care, who makes your coffee when all the cafes are closed, how do you commute?

New 24hr lifestyles have expanded the role of the night in society, requiring new forms of governance and representation for those who live, work, and socialise at night. Enter – the night mayor!

As humans with our limited daytime vision, the night has long been understood as a time of danger and mystery. But today in cities with artificial lighting lining the streets the nature of night has changed. For some, it’s a time for celebration and entertainment. For others, it’s their regular work hours.