Christian Dimmer
@remmid.bsky.social
dad／urbanist／assoc.prof. transition design + urban studies｜waseda university｜Tokyo｜co-learning／co-design｜public spaces／spheres｜urban practices／theories｜place {un}making／becoming｜climate + sustainability／resilience
Pinned
Many people are still unsure when I ask about the “endgame” of our work. Back in 2014, we held a #deepadaptation bootcamp & mapped out root causes of the #planetarycrisis. Yet, despite accelerating change, far too many still assume a business-as-usual future.
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
Many people are still unsure when I ask about the “endgame” of our work. Back in 2014, we held a #deepadaptation bootcamp & mapped out root causes of the #planetarycrisis. Yet, despite accelerating change, far too many still assume a business-as-usual future.
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
November 27, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Many people are still unsure when I ask about the “endgame” of our work. Back in 2014, we held a #deepadaptation bootcamp & mapped out root causes of the #planetarycrisis. Yet, despite accelerating change, far too many still assume a business-as-usual future.
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
Many people are still unsure when I ask about the “endgame” of our work. Back in 2014, we held a #deepadaptation bootcamp & mapped out root causes of the #planetarycrisis. Yet, despite accelerating change, far too many still assume a business-as-usual future.
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
November 27, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Many people are still unsure when I ask about the “endgame” of our work. Back in 2014, we held a #deepadaptation bootcamp & mapped out root causes of the #planetarycrisis. Yet, despite accelerating change, far too many still assume a business-as-usual future.
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
→ rci.nanzan-u.ac.jp/ISE/ja/publi...
An evocative reflection on the collapse of the ludicrous “Line City” NEOM—a pipe dream that should never have been embraced so uncritically by so many urbanists, or those aspiring to be.
Follow @samuholden.bsky.social for similarly insightful reflections! Always a joy to read and learn!
Follow @samuholden.bsky.social for similarly insightful reflections! Always a joy to read and learn!
Urbanists of the world, rejoice—The Line, the most absurd development project on planet earth, has collapsed under the weight of its own fantastical claims. What other grand schemes in this age of unreal promises may soon unravel? www.samholden.jp/p/the-line-w...
The Line was the zenith of our age of insanity
Look on my works ye Mighty, and despair!
www.samholden.jp
November 26, 2025 at 11:56 PM
An evocative reflection on the collapse of the ludicrous “Line City” NEOM—a pipe dream that should never have been embraced so uncritically by so many urbanists, or those aspiring to be.
Follow @samuholden.bsky.social for similarly insightful reflections! Always a joy to read and learn!
Follow @samuholden.bsky.social for similarly insightful reflections! Always a joy to read and learn!
This is splendid—congratulations! I’m very much looking forward to reading this wonderful book. You’ve been working on it for at least ten years, and I’m sure it will be profoundly insightful.
Unpacking. It’s finally here. Best of all: you can share the excitement for free, as the book is open access. Follow the link in the post below to download a PDF or EPUB version.
Happy reading and happy strolling through Japanese garden history!
Happy reading and happy strolling through Japanese garden history!
November 26, 2025 at 10:24 PM
This is splendid—congratulations! I’m very much looking forward to reading this wonderful book. You’ve been working on it for at least ten years, and I’m sure it will be profoundly insightful.
Groundhog day? It feels almost Sisyphean to see that, since the 1960s, radical designers have repeatedly urged us to observe the very people we are designing for—to speak with them and incorporate their concrete, fundamental needs into our urban and architectural plans. Yet little has changed.
NEW: “The strategy [building homes for millennials who hadn’t had kids yet] worked — until millennials aged out of it. As they now enter their 30s-40s & start having children, they’re ditching cities where the housing stock never caught up to their changing needs.”
Bad strategy. Design for kids.
Bad strategy. Design for kids.
Cities made a bet on millennials — but forgot one key thing
Can cities learn to love kids again?
www.vox.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Groundhog day? It feels almost Sisyphean to see that, since the 1960s, radical designers have repeatedly urged us to observe the very people we are designing for—to speak with them and incorporate their concrete, fundamental needs into our urban and architectural plans. Yet little has changed.
Look at a satellite image and try to see where Tokyo starts or ends—you’ll struggle. The urban fabric stretches almost continuously along the coast. Jean Gottmann coined “megalopolis” in 1961, and the idea was applied to the Tōkaidō corridor between Tokyo & Osaka—a continuous band of urbanisation.
More urban age thesis stats just dropped to enrage the planetary urbanisation crowd: Jakarta overtakes Tokyo as the most populated city in the world.
Tokyo overtaken as world's biggest city
A UN report reveals which cities will likely boast the largest populations in 2050 and predicts London's population will soar.
news.sky.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Look at a satellite image and try to see where Tokyo starts or ends—you’ll struggle. The urban fabric stretches almost continuously along the coast. Jean Gottmann coined “megalopolis” in 1961, and the idea was applied to the Tōkaidō corridor between Tokyo & Osaka—a continuous band of urbanisation.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
A fitting moment to bring back this old transit meme. However they’re powered—gas, hydrogen, electricity, or driverless—leaning on cars instead of investing in quality public transit is still a poor long-term strategy.
November 25, 2025 at 10:59 PM
A fitting moment to bring back this old transit meme. However they’re powered—gas, hydrogen, electricity, or driverless—leaning on cars instead of investing in quality public transit is still a poor long-term strategy.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
Nice to see that @taras-grescoe.com’s Straphanger is alive and kicking and that he continues to post about transit, bicycles, and alternatives to car-based urbanism under the "Straphanger" tag.
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
November 26, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Nice to see that @taras-grescoe.com’s Straphanger is alive and kicking and that he continues to post about transit, bicycles, and alternatives to car-based urbanism under the "Straphanger" tag.
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
A recent image from Hue City, Vietnam has gone viral: while surrounding streets were submerged during a flood event, the Japanese Aeon Mall Hue remained dry & operational. It also served as a shelter for affected residents, demonstratimg how resilient buildings can also foster #communityresilience.
Why is Aeon Mall Hue not flooded? The secret from Japanese design
Amid the recent historic flood in Hue, the image of Aeon Mall Hue still dry and lit in the middle of the 'sea of water' has stirred up the online community. Many people are curious: why is this new ...
www.vietnam.vn
November 26, 2025 at 12:40 PM
A recent image from Hue City, Vietnam has gone viral: while surrounding streets were submerged during a flood event, the Japanese Aeon Mall Hue remained dry & operational. It also served as a shelter for affected residents, demonstratimg how resilient buildings can also foster #communityresilience.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
In reality, it's even worse. A car on average has around 1.2 occupants, so you need 33 cars to transport 40 people. Ubers and autonomous cars sometimes travel empty, so you need more than 40 of them to transport 40 people!
November 26, 2025 at 11:29 AM
In reality, it's even worse. A car on average has around 1.2 occupants, so you need 33 cars to transport 40 people. Ubers and autonomous cars sometimes travel empty, so you need more than 40 of them to transport 40 people!
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
For anyone interested in a more visual take on #Tokyo, you’re invited to follow me on Instagram. On my walks to work, I often reflect on both the strengths & the shortcomings of Tokyo’s urbanism. No smoke, no sunshine—just honest thoughts. Beware, I am also using words.
www.instagram.com/chr.dimmer/
www.instagram.com/chr.dimmer/
November 23, 2025 at 11:53 PM
For anyone interested in a more visual take on #Tokyo, you’re invited to follow me on Instagram. On my walks to work, I often reflect on both the strengths & the shortcomings of Tokyo’s urbanism. No smoke, no sunshine—just honest thoughts. Beware, I am also using words.
www.instagram.com/chr.dimmer/
www.instagram.com/chr.dimmer/
Nice to see that @taras-grescoe.com’s Straphanger is alive and kicking and that he continues to post about transit, bicycles, and alternatives to car-based urbanism under the "Straphanger" tag.
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
November 26, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Nice to see that @taras-grescoe.com’s Straphanger is alive and kicking and that he continues to post about transit, bicycles, and alternatives to car-based urbanism under the "Straphanger" tag.
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
Check out the #Highspeed newsletter for rail renaissance news.
#railsky #trains
www.highspeed.blog
A fitting moment to bring back this old transit meme. However they’re powered—gas, hydrogen, electricity, or driverless—leaning on cars instead of investing in quality public transit is still a poor long-term strategy.
November 25, 2025 at 10:59 PM
A fitting moment to bring back this old transit meme. However they’re powered—gas, hydrogen, electricity, or driverless—leaning on cars instead of investing in quality public transit is still a poor long-term strategy.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
1. Reform political systems to make them democratic; aligned with issue-based representation.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
A huge 89% majority of global people [56% even in the United States] want stronger action to fight the #ClimateCrisis, but mistakenly believe they’re in a minority.
People want action. Smart cities are taking action. Nations should support city action.
#ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
People want action. Smart cities are taking action. Nations should support city action.
#ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
Activate climate’s ‘silent majority’ to supercharge action, experts say
Making concerned people aware their views are far from alone could unlock the change so urgently needed
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:18 PM
1. Reform political systems to make them democratic; aligned with issue-based representation.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
As Tokyo-based urbanist I recommend it．Think of it as coffee-table companion to Jacobs’ Death＆Life．Only wish they'd made the connection more explicit—after all，Jane reminded us that「cities have the capability of providing something for everybody，only because，＆only when，they're created by everybody.」
Tonight maybe my FAVOURITE recent book in the #UrbanismBookClub —“EMERGENT TOKYO: Designing the Spontaneous City” by Jorge Almazan & StudioLab. Even if you’re not as fascinated with Tokyo urbanism as I am, this book is both brilliant & gorgeous. HT to @jasonthorne.bsky.social for recommending it. 3/
November 23, 2025 at 10:29 PM
As Tokyo-based urbanist I recommend it．Think of it as coffee-table companion to Jacobs’ Death＆Life．Only wish they'd made the connection more explicit—after all，Jane reminded us that「cities have the capability of providing something for everybody，only because，＆only when，they're created by everybody.」
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
I’m still not numb enough to accept these things as normal.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
NEW: President Biden commuted the death sentences of most people on the federal death row before exiting office.
President Trump is now effectively looking to retaliate, and to detain those people in the most brutal conditions in the federal system. Bolts reports:
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
President Trump is now effectively looking to retaliate, and to detain those people in the most brutal conditions in the federal system. Bolts reports:
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
This story was produced by Bolts and published in partnership with The Nation. Inside the federal supermax tucked away in Colorado’s high desert, prisoners spend 22 to 24 hours a day... Read More
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:17 PM
I’m still not numb enough to accept these things as normal.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
Another great starter pack—highly recommended.
It’s worth noting that more of us need to work on multiple important issues simultaneously. Making a city more walkable isn’t just placemaking; it also improves mental health, combats loneliness epidemic, reduces crime, AND helps tackle #climatechange.
It’s worth noting that more of us need to work on multiple important issues simultaneously. Making a city more walkable isn’t just placemaking; it also improves mental health, combats loneliness epidemic, reduces crime, AND helps tackle #climatechange.
ICYMI, this STARTER PACK is my team-up with celebrated climate scientist @katharinehayhoe.com, and it’s full of people & organizations that specifically embrace the overlap between better cities and climate action! Please follow them, and help spread the pack around! #ClimateAction #UrbanistShoutOut
November 19, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Another great starter pack—highly recommended.
It’s worth noting that more of us need to work on multiple important issues simultaneously. Making a city more walkable isn’t just placemaking; it also improves mental health, combats loneliness epidemic, reduces crime, AND helps tackle #climatechange.
It’s worth noting that more of us need to work on multiple important issues simultaneously. Making a city more walkable isn’t just placemaking; it also improves mental health, combats loneliness epidemic, reduces crime, AND helps tackle #climatechange.
Reposted by Christian Dimmer
As cities around the globe scramble to face the unpredictable local impacts of runaway climate change and a growing polycrisis, the question is clear: how do we plan and build resilience?
Here’s my take on the Resilience Project of the world’s biggest city, #Tokyo.
Here’s my take on the Resilience Project of the world’s biggest city, #Tokyo.
Tokyo’s Perpetual Resilience Project: Between Local Knowledges and Universal Modernist Concepts | Climate Change and Risk Mitigation
www.cabidigitallibrary.org
November 22, 2025 at 10:54 PM
As cities around the globe scramble to face the unpredictable local impacts of runaway climate change and a growing polycrisis, the question is clear: how do we plan and build resilience?
Here’s my take on the Resilience Project of the world’s biggest city, #Tokyo.
Here’s my take on the Resilience Project of the world’s biggest city, #Tokyo.
If water-stressed cities like Tehran fail to develop & implement serious sustainability strategies, life there will only become harder—eventually leaving relocation as last option. As climate change accelerates & unsustainable lifestyles persist, other cities could face the same fate in the future.
Amid a deepening ecological crisis and acute water shortage, Tehran can no longer remain the capital of Iran, the country’s president has said. www.scientificamerican.com/article/iran...
Iran’s Capital Is Moving. The Reason Is an Ecological Catastrophe
The decision to move Iran’s capital is partly driven by climate change, but experts say decades of human error and action are also to blame
www.scientificamerican.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:55 AM
If water-stressed cities like Tehran fail to develop & implement serious sustainability strategies, life there will only become harder—eventually leaving relocation as last option. As climate change accelerates & unsustainable lifestyles persist, other cities could face the same fate in the future.
A very useful resource indeed. As climate change accelerates, disasters will become more frequent and more severe, making preparation essential for survival. The goal after any devastation is to build back better—strengthening resilience and moving toward regenerative sustainability.
@grist.org Great resource! But do reconsider the outdated term 'natural disasters' - the argument being there is nothing 'natural' about a disaster. Rather they are products of social, economic, political, physical & other contexts intersecting with environmental, technological, other hazards.
Disaster 101: Your guide to extreme weather preparation, relief, and recovery
From packing an emergency kit to navigating FEMA aid to finding legal services and mental health resources, this is a comprehensive guide to surviving and coping with natural disasters.
grist.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:21 AM
A very useful resource indeed. As climate change accelerates, disasters will become more frequent and more severe, making preparation essential for survival. The goal after any devastation is to build back better—strengthening resilience and moving toward regenerative sustainability.
Musk and X paying for posts that are then boosted by algorithms rewarding outrage and hostility over meaningful dialogue is simply not sustainable for any democracy or for a healthy, civil society.
NEW: The chaos (and hilarity) over on X as right-wing accounts have been revealed to be based overseas. The ragebait in your timeline may be coming from abroad.
www.thebulwark.com/p/new-x-twit...
www.thebulwark.com/p/new-x-twit...
New X Games: Legitimate Groyper or Bangledeshi Bot?
The ragebait in your timeline may be coming from abroad.
www.thebulwark.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Musk and X paying for posts that are then boosted by algorithms rewarding outrage and hostility over meaningful dialogue is simply not sustainable for any democracy or for a healthy, civil society.
I wish that people around the world who care about civility, democracy, decency, and tolerance would refrain from supporting businesses that implicitly or explicitly enable the erosion of these values. A global, collective response could carry real weight.
This Black Friday weekend we are going to send a message to corporations that enable Trump and the MAGA agenda: #WeAintBuyingIt
😠 Are you sick of corporations enabling this administration by ditching DEI, allowing ICE to terrorize our communities, & chasing tax breaks?
❌💲 From Thanksgiving morning through nighttime Cyber Monday, BUY NOTHING from Target, Home Depot, and Amazon. Join us & spread the word! #WeAintBuyingIt 🚫
❌💲 From Thanksgiving morning through nighttime Cyber Monday, BUY NOTHING from Target, Home Depot, and Amazon. Join us & spread the word! #WeAintBuyingIt 🚫
November 24, 2025 at 11:51 PM
I wish that people around the world who care about civility, democracy, decency, and tolerance would refrain from supporting businesses that implicitly or explicitly enable the erosion of these values. A global, collective response could carry real weight.
1. Reform political systems to make them democratic; aligned with issue-based representation.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
A huge 89% majority of global people [56% even in the United States] want stronger action to fight the #ClimateCrisis, but mistakenly believe they’re in a minority.
People want action. Smart cities are taking action. Nations should support city action.
#ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
People want action. Smart cities are taking action. Nations should support city action.
#ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
Activate climate’s ‘silent majority’ to supercharge action, experts say
Making concerned people aware their views are far from alone could unlock the change so urgently needed
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:18 PM
1. Reform political systems to make them democratic; aligned with issue-based representation.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
2. Expand climate awareness in everyday life; integrate it deeply into public dialogue & cultural norms.
3. Elect mayors who present concrete visions & actionable plans for climate & community resilience.
I’m still not numb enough to accept these things as normal.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
NEW: President Biden commuted the death sentences of most people on the federal death row before exiting office.
President Trump is now effectively looking to retaliate, and to detain those people in the most brutal conditions in the federal system. Bolts reports:
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
President Trump is now effectively looking to retaliate, and to detain those people in the most brutal conditions in the federal system. Bolts reports:
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
This story was produced by Bolts and published in partnership with The Nation. Inside the federal supermax tucked away in Colorado’s high desert, prisoners spend 22 to 24 hours a day... Read More
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:17 PM
I’m still not numb enough to accept these things as normal.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
I genuinely can’t understand how any church going Christian can support Trump and the MAGA movement, when so much of what they promote seems rooted in anger, hate and is aimed at causing needless suffering.
If you ever visit Tokyo make sure to visit this giant piece of disaster prevention infrastructure.
Japan's Gargantuan Flood Defences
YouTube video by Megaprojects
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 6:59 PM
If you ever visit Tokyo make sure to visit this giant piece of disaster prevention infrastructure.