62nd IMCL Begins in Potsdam, with a Focus on the Architecture of the Livable Future

Noted Author Rick Steves welcomes the conference delegates with reflections on this moment in history for cities -- and for nations

ABOVE: Author and presenter Rick Steves welcomes delegates in a topical discussion with IMCL Executive Director Michael Mehaffy

POTSDAM, GERMANY, October 17, 2025 - The 62nd International Making Cities Livable started here today with a gathering of researchers, architects, planners, developers, mayors, and city officials, with a particular focus on this challenging moment in global history. Delegates came from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and of course, Europe, to exchange frontier research findings as well as detailed case studies, tools and strategies for making successful, flourishing, livable cities and towns.

Noted author Rick Steves welcomed the delegates, observing that this moment in history is fraught with challenges -- but we have the capacity to meet them, if we work together across borders and sectors.

"There are a lot of challenges facing our world today, and the challenges of the future, the big challenges, are going to be impervious to walls and conventional defense," Steves said. "And they’re going to require good governance, they’re going to require embracing science, and they’re going to require nations working together."

Other speakers explored new research findings and case study examples covering walkability, urban health and well-being, public space activation, shrinking cities, climate adaptation, housing affordability and homelessness, gentrification, zoning code reforms, economic opportunity and diversity, educational reforms and professional responsibility, and many more topics.

Officials from the City of Potsdam presented their own in-depth case studies of the city's challenges following their emergence from the East German era and the prior devastation of World War II. They described the slow path to regeneration and revival of the successful patterns of its history.

Saskia Hüneke, long-time Chair of the Central Committee and member of the City Council, gave insights into the political and economic challenges for the city. Bernd Rubelt, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development, Construction, Economy, and the Environment, described some of the specific elements of the city's transformation, and Thomas Albrecht, architect of noted buildings, presented case studies and led tours for delegates.

In his final comments welcoming the delegates, Rick Steves noted the value of these gatherings as opportunities to explore in-depth lessons for cities.

"I’m so glad you’re getting together. I just love cities, that’s why I love to travel. I marvel at how cities work – but they don’t work without good people, caring people, smart people, getting to work together, and raising that bar high," he said.

"So best wishes on your gathering, and… happy travels!"

Above: Delegates get a tour of the beautiful Friedenskirche (Peace Church) in the spectacular Sanssouci Park.

Above: IMCL Board Member Jim Brainard presents an award to Potsdam Deputy Mayor Bernd Rubelt for their remarkable transformation of the city.

Above, delegates gather for the opening plenary.

Above, architect Steve Mouzon describes the migration of patterns across regions as a useful form of genetic information.

Above: Delegates are treated to a tour of the Alter Markt (old market) area, devastated by bombing during World War II, and reconstructed as a beautiful revival of the city's historic core.