Cities have largely been imagined by architects and planners as permanent entities.  Today, this basic assumption is being challenged as a result of the massive rise of "informalization"; dramatic shifts in global demographics; and the intensification of pilgrimage practices that more frequently construct temporal settlements for hosting massive gatherings.  In this episode of ON CITIES, Rahul Mehrotra will explain this phenomenon by way of his recent book The Kinetic City and other essays.  He will also share the story of how his architectural office is expanding the definition of practice while grappling with some of the most challenging topics facing the development of cities throughout India and across the globe.

About the Guest:

Rahul Mehrotra is an internationally recognized architect and founding principal of the Mumbai/Boston-based firm of RMA Architects. The work of the firm is rich and varied, engaging architecture, urbanism and conservation.  Beyond his practice, Mehrotra is a notable educator and author.  He is currently the Chair of the Department of Urban Planning and Design, the Director of the Master of Architecture in Urban Design Degree Program and the Co-Director of the Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design Degree Program at Harvard Graduate School of Design.  He is also the John T. Dunlop Professor in Housing and Urbanization at Harvard.

Mehrotra has written and lectured extensively on issues relating to the architecture and urban design of India.  His writings include co-authoring Bombay: The Cities Within, which covers the city's urban history from the 1600s to 1990; Banganga:  Sacred Tank; Bombay to Mumbai: Changing Perspectives; and most recently, Working in Mumbai and The Kinetic City and other essays.