The changes in history and the spread of global culture and economics have brought about significant and frightening risks worldwide. These range from the destruction of cities through violent conflict to the impact of climate change and an increase in natural disasters. Additionally, there's been a vast widening of economic and social inequality. Venice is in danger of sinking, many cities around the world are facing earthquakes, and the gap between poverty and wealth is becoming increasingly visible in many cities. Today, humanity faces monumental challenges that demand a complete transformation of our living spaces.Cities Under Pressure presents a new approach to design a flexible system that aims to establish a dynamic balance, constantly adapting to change. This innovative concept imagines new urban environments that move away from rigid design principles and instead embrace evolving mechanisms. These mechanisms support a sustainable transition, ensuring a resilient and peaceful future for our cities.

Benno Albrecht is the rector of the Università Iuav di Venezia (IUAV). He has devoted his entire professional and academic career to the study of sustainability, combining research and architectural practice. In 2016, he established the Iuav Urbicide Task Force, a think tank conducting multidisciplinary research on urban and social reconstruction.