Conference: „City of Possibilities”

As Tallinn embarks on the preparation of its new city-wide master plan, we invite city leaders, planners, urban experts and practitioners to join a global conversation on the future of cities. 

How can cities accommodate growth, strengthen urban centres, improve mobility, support economic development, and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world? The Conference City of Possibilities brings together global perspectives and practical experiences from cities that are shaping their future through ambitious yet implementable planning. 

Conference Programme | 9 September 2026
PROTO Invention Factory, Tallinn, Estonia

09:00–09:30 | Coffee & Arrival

09:30–09:45 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Peeter Raudsepp, Mayor of Tallinn
Andro Mänd, Chief Architect, City of Tallinn

09:45–10:05 | Eugen Pănescu, Architect and Urban Planner, Romania
35 Years After: A Romanian Journey to Revalue Planning
Drawing on Romania’s transformation over the past 35 years, the presentation explores
the changing relationship between planning, private interests and the common good. It
looks at how participation, negotiation and cooperation between public and private
actors can help restore trust in planning and support balanced urban development.

10:05–10:25 | Aleksi Neuvonen, Co-founder and Futurologist, Demos Helsinki
Steering by the Horizon: Master Planning for an Uncertain Future
Cities must plan for long-term forces ranging from demographic shifts and climate
change to emerging digital disruptions. The presentation explores how working with
multiple plausible futures and clear long-term goals can help build resilience and
adaptability into master plans.

10:25–10:45 | Hanna Irvenå, Senior Architect, City of Malmö
How to Create a Scenario-Based City Master Plan?
How can cities plan for an uncertain future while actively shaping it? Drawing on
Malmö’s new master plan, the presentation introduces scenario planning as a strategic
tool, the methods used to develop four possible futures for 2050, and how these
scenarios are now being incorporated into the plan.

10:45–10:55 | Refresh Break

10:55–11:15 | Han Dijk, Urban Planner and Partner, PosadMaxwan strategy x design,
Netherlands
City of Possibilities: On Scales and Structures
The Netherlands has a long tradition of flexible planning across diƯerent spatial scales.
Drawing on PosadMaxwan’s work with the public sector, the presentation explores how
planning structures and diƯerent scale levels interact, illustrated through examples from
Dutch cities.

11:15–12:15 | Interactive Panel Discussion
Flexible and Strategic vs. Fixed and Detailed Master Planning
How much should a master plan determine – and how much room should it leave for
change? Speakers from the morning session will discuss diƯerent approaches to
balancing strategic direction, detail, flexibility and implementation, with questions and
contributions from the audience.

12:15–13:15 | Lunch

13:15–13:35 | Mathias Lehner, City Architect, Zaanstad Municipality, Netherlands
Making Space for Work in Urban Growth
Drawing on Zaanstad’s industrial heritage and its 2024 Urban Development Plan Making
Space, the presentation explores how a growing city can protect and create space for
jobs alongside housing. It looks at the planning strategies, economic choices and
cooperation needed to keep productive activities as an integral part of urban
development.

13:35–13:55 | Pasi Rajala, Director of Strategic Urban Planning, City of Helsinki
Master Planning in Helsinki
The presentation provides an overview of the evolution of master planning in Helsinki
and the city’s current City Plan. It explores how the plan is implemented in practice, the
lessons learned and how Helsinki is approaching its ongoing master planning
processes.

13:55–14:15 | Clara Pere Garcia, Architect in the PDUM (New Barcelona Master Plan)
team at the OƯice of the Chief Architect, Barcelona City Council
The Metropolitan Urban Master Plan for the Barcelona area
Barcelona’s experience in preparing and implementing the metropolitan urban master
plan.

14:15–14:25 | Refresh Break

14:25–14:45 | Jason Thorne, Chief Planner, City of Toronto
Planning for Growth in the City of Toronto
One of North America’s fastest-growing urban regions, Toronto is addressing major
challenges including housing aƯordability, infrastructure delivery and climate resilience.
The presentation explores how the city is creating new opportunities for growth while
investing in transit, parks, services and public spaces that support thriving
neighbourhoods.

14:45–15:45 | Interactive Panel Discussion
New Tools, Emerging Trends and the Future of Master Planning
What will master planning need to respond to in the coming decades? The discussion
brings together the day’s speakers to explore new planning tools, emerging urban
challenges and approaches that can help cities remain adaptable while turning longterm ambitions into action.

15:45–16:00 | Closing Remarks
Tiit Terik, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn

16:00–17:00 | Networking

Hosted by the Tallinn City Planning Department
Ps. As the number of participants is limited, attendance is by invitation only.