Designing better urban landscapes for the future of cities | Michael Zegarelli | TEDxMcGill
What happens when cities are shaped not just by planners but by the people who live in them? This talk explores how urban spaces evolve beyond their original designs through everyday acts of creativity and community. Mount Royal Park’s transformation to the Superblocks of Barcelona highlights the power of adaptive design—an approach that balances structure with spontaneity, inviting cities to grow in resilient, inclusive, and unexpectedly beautiful ways. Michael is an educational keynote speaker who inspires audiences with his insights on mindset, productivity and leadership. Drawing on his experience leading teams and managing complex projects, he focuses on creating frameworks for process optimization. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Michael has over 15 years of experience in infrastructure advisory and project management, contributing to transformative projects that have shaped cityscapes across Canada. As Vice President, Quebec at Colliers Project Leaders, he continues to explore his passion for building modern cities and is an advocate of forward-thinking approaches to urban development.
Michael is currently dedicated to exploring innovative strategies to build and sustain high-performance teams, focusing on collaboration, adaptability, and shared purpose. His commitment to personal growth mirrors his professional ethos, making him a compelling voice for innovation, resilience, and the future of city planning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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