The Living Cities Forum 2017 brought together leading international architects and urban thinkers to consider the factors that determine a healthy and vibrant city. How does history, geography, climate and culture contribute to making a better city? What role can design professionals play in the city’s evolution, and how do designers respond to shifting political contexts, while engaging with a diversity of users? The invited speakers shared their intimate knowledge of diverse cities, from London to Hong Kong and from Barcelona to Los Angeles, offering a unique opportunity to place the debates about Melbourne’s future in the context of a global urban discussion.