Utopian Hours: A Decade of Urban Innovation in Turin

Turin prepares to host the second chapter of the Utopian Hours: Ten Years Edition, a landmark event that has evolved from a local experiment into a premier international gathering for those dedicated to the future of urban environments. Over the past decade, the festival has consistently brought together a diverse community of thinkers and practitioners to debate the evolution of 21st-century cities. Last year alone, the event drew over 4,000 attendees representing more than 30 cities globally, cementing its reputation as a vital hub for interdisciplinary exchange.

A Decade of Visionary Dialogue

The 2025 edition of the festival continues its tradition of traversing multiple scales and disciplines, covering everything from civic action and infrastructure to housing, mobility, and urban technology. By placing architects, developers, activists, and urbanists in the same room, Utopian Hours fosters a collaborative environment where competing visions of the future can be challenged, tested, and refined.

This year’s program is particularly notable for the participation of Sir Peter Cook, co-founder of the influential Archigram group. Serving as the Guest of Honour just days before his 90th birthday, Cook will lead a masterclass reflecting on his lifelong dedication to speculative urbanism. Furthermore, the festival will feature The City Is a Garden, which marks Cook’s first solo exhibition in Italy, showcasing his deep exploration of the intersection between architecture, landscape, and future-oriented design.

Global Expertise and Local Transformation

The festival boasts an impressive roster of international contributors. Among the speakers are Wim Walschap, CEO and Senior Partner at Herzog & de Meuron; Zahra Ebrahim, co-founder of the Toronto-based firm Monumental; and Carolyn Steel, the architect and author of Sitopia. The event also highlights the work of Robert Winkel from Nice Developers, Paul Stavert of Powerhouse Company, and Léon van Geest, the director of Rotterdam Rooftop Days.

These experts will present projects that are currently reshaping the urban landscape. Notable examples include the Gleispool Dreispitz project in Basel, which seeks to convert former railway infrastructure into a public swimming facility, and Helsinki’s Crown Bridges, a significant urban project designed to prioritize trams, pedestrians, and cyclists over private vehicles. Additionally, Romain Minod of the collective Quatorze will discuss the role of architecture as a catalyst for community-led transformation.

A Cross-City Exchange

The anniversary celebrations began in May with an inaugural chapter held at the Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam. This October, the dialogue continues in Turin, with Rotterdam serving as the official European Guest City. This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both cities to fostering experimental urban cultures and sustainable development.

The festival will take place on October 16–17 at La Centrale Lavazza and the Dorado Community Hub. The two-day program is packed with masterclasses, roundtables, and exhibitions designed to celebrate the history of urban imagination while looking ahead to future challenges. Attendees are also invited to explore the Urbanites Fair, a space dedicated to discovering the next wave of urban innovation.