The highly anticipated opening event of the “Tomorrow’s Earthquake-Resilient Cities” exhibition took place on yesterday, bringing together project researchers, sponsors, and stakeholders who have been actively collaborating with the Tomorrow’s Cities Hub in Istanbul since its inception. The exhibition, which had already opened to the public on 21st June, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the scientific background of earthquakes and the planning and design principles of future cities, with a focus on disaster risk reduction and resilience.

Hosted at Salt Beyoğlu, located in the heart of the city on Istiklal Street, the exhibition is an integral part of the Tomorrow’s Cities Hub methodology. It sheds light on earthquake science while delving into the structural, institutional, spatial, and social aspects of building resilient cities. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the policy dimension of disaster risk reduction, offering valuable insights to both experts and the public.

The opening event was attended by prominent figures, including project researchers, exhibition sponsors such as construction companies, insurance companies, İstanbul Concrete Elements and Ready Mixed Concrete Factories Corporation, TDG Earthquake and Structural Health Monitoring Company, and representatives from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Earthquake Department Directorate.

The exhibition has garnered widespread attention for its success in risk communication. It employs simple yet powerful scientific language to explain the multi-layered and complex realities of earthquakes to the public. The interactive elements, including interviews with experts from various disciplines, have proven to be particularly engaging for visitors of all ages. Highlights of the exhibition include depictions of the Tomorrow’s Cities Decision Support Environment’s (TCDSE) main components, such as the wheel of urban assets, co-mapping activities, and multi-hazard impact modelling.

Beyond raising public awareness of earthquake risk reduction, the exhibition also serves as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and education. It fosters discussions on risk reduction and resilience, empowering individuals and communities towards building safer cities for the future. As a science communication tool, the exhibition is an educational resource, providing valuable information and interactive experiences for the public of Istanbul.

Due to its exceptional success, the exhibition is set to be launched in other exhibition spaces in Istanbul and other hazard-prone cities across Turkey, further contributing to nationwide efforts in building earthquake-resilient communities.

Overall, the “Tomorrow’s Earthquake-Resilient Cities” exhibition stands as a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary research and its role in shaping a safer and more prepared future for urban centers worldwide.