Bo Larsson

Univer-City Bo Larsson

Europe has a unique tradition of old university towns. Especially in the smaller and middle-sized cities tradition, cultural heritage, urban environment qualities, human scale and perspicuity have a potential to attract researchers, teachers and students to the universities. In some cities these qualities are well known, in other cities they are internationally are not fairly known according to their significance. Sometimes these qualities are threatened by a rapid development. What importance does urban environment qualities have in relation to the university and scientific world? How can synergetic effects be achieved? How are the issues and problems defined and what kind of planning strategies are developed? In June 2007 representatives from 26 old, smaller and middle-sized European university towns in 16 countries were gathered in Lund, Sweden, to discuss common issues on relations universitycity. This book is based on the presentations at the symposium. The contributors represent both the municipal and university spheres. Together they give an overview of the cities, their history, qualities, possibilities, problems and future perspectives, especially in the context of urban planning. Themes for future discussions and co-operation are highlighted. Hopefully this book will also stimulate spreading these discussions. There are at least another 4050 old, small and middle-sized European university towns of similar kind. A new symposium is planned in Toru, Poland in 2009. 472 pages in colour. Order now:christer.isell@sekel.se