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｜perpetual adaption／resilience
Barber’s 'If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional Nations, Rising #Cities' (2013) feels timelier than ever. As national politics remain gridlocked and the #polycrisis demands local action, it’s encouraging to see @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social win in NYC and @wutrain.bsky.social in Boston.
November 5, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Barber’s 'If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional Nations, Rising #Cities' (2013) feels timelier than ever. As national politics remain gridlocked and the #polycrisis demands local action, it’s encouraging to see @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social win in NYC and @wutrain.bsky.social in Boston.
I can’t help but wonder how much of our current populist political predicament stems from the loss of social infrastructure and vibrant public spaces—and how much from exclusionary zoning and car-dependent lifestyles. When we no longer encounter “the other,” it becomes far easier to lose empathy.
November 4, 2025 at 11:55 PM
I can’t help but wonder how much of our current populist political predicament stems from the loss of social infrastructure and vibrant public spaces—and how much from exclusionary zoning and car-dependent lifestyles. When we no longer encounter “the other,” it becomes far easier to lose empathy.
It’s devastating. The love for the car is utterly irrational!
In Tokyo, it’s even worse—home builders often shrink houses just to make space for a car. They give up precious living area for a vehicle that’s even less used than in Europe, all in a city with the world’s most efficient public transit.
In Tokyo, it’s even worse—home builders often shrink houses just to make space for a car. They give up precious living area for a vehicle that’s even less used than in Europe, all in a city with the world’s most efficient public transit.
November 4, 2025 at 10:54 PM
It’s devastating. The love for the car is utterly irrational!
In Tokyo, it’s even worse—home builders often shrink houses just to make space for a car. They give up precious living area for a vehicle that’s even less used than in Europe, all in a city with the world’s most efficient public transit.
In Tokyo, it’s even worse—home builders often shrink houses just to make space for a car. They give up precious living area for a vehicle that’s even less used than in Europe, all in a city with the world’s most efficient public transit.
Even after seeing this montage countless times, I’m still struck by how much change is possible when political leaders & citizens come together to challenge the status quo & imagine something better. What Utrecht accomplished, Tokyo COULD too—IF only there were the will & urgency to make it happen.
November 2, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Even after seeing this montage countless times, I’m still struck by how much change is possible when political leaders & citizens come together to challenge the status quo & imagine something better. What Utrecht accomplished, Tokyo COULD too—IF only there were the will & urgency to make it happen.
This scene captures the quiet magic of Tokyo’s unplanned, human-scaled backstreets—where cars are welcome only as guests, weaving their way gently through pedestrians and cyclists. Streets like these remind us that vibrancy and human connection are at the heart of every truly liveable, lovable city.
November 2, 2025 at 4:45 AM
This scene captures the quiet magic of Tokyo’s unplanned, human-scaled backstreets—where cars are welcome only as guests, weaving their way gently through pedestrians and cyclists. Streets like these remind us that vibrancy and human connection are at the heart of every truly liveable, lovable city.
In 1978, German science journalist Hoimar von Ditfurth warned millions on national TV about the coming climate crisis. His daughter later co-founded the Green Party. We’ve known what’s coming—and what must be done—for nearly half a century. Yet we still can’t act decisively. What holds us back?
October 29, 2025 at 11:39 PM
In 1978, German science journalist Hoimar von Ditfurth warned millions on national TV about the coming climate crisis. His daughter later co-founded the Green Party. We’ve known what’s coming—and what must be done—for nearly half a century. Yet we still can’t act decisively. What holds us back?
In 1978, German science journalist Hoimar von Ditfurth warned millions on national TV about the coming #climatecrisis. His daughter later co-founded the Green Party. We’ve known what’s coming—and what must be done—for nearly half a century. Yet we still can’t act decisively. What holds us back?
October 29, 2025 at 11:37 PM
In 1978, German science journalist Hoimar von Ditfurth warned millions on national TV about the coming #climatecrisis. His daughter later co-founded the Green Party. We’ve known what’s coming—and what must be done—for nearly half a century. Yet we still can’t act decisively. What holds us back?
In my planning theory course, I talk about democratic processes, institutions & stakeholders. Planning has been a process of balancing competing claims to arrive at what we vaguely call “the public good.” Today, in the age of tech oligarchs& new kings, I’m no longer sure there’s any point in that.
October 24, 2025 at 7:43 AM
In my planning theory course, I talk about democratic processes, institutions & stakeholders. Planning has been a process of balancing competing claims to arrive at what we vaguely call “the public good.” Today, in the age of tech oligarchs& new kings, I’m no longer sure there’s any point in that.
Remember when Obama’s tan suit was the biggest scandal of his term?
11 years later, it reads like satire. A whole generation has been socialized into the “Trump normal,” where chaos and shamelessness are expected.
How do we return to a world where decency, restraint, and truth matter?
11 years later, it reads like satire. A whole generation has been socialized into the “Trump normal,” where chaos and shamelessness are expected.
How do we return to a world where decency, restraint, and truth matter?
October 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Remember when Obama’s tan suit was the biggest scandal of his term?
11 years later, it reads like satire. A whole generation has been socialized into the “Trump normal,” where chaos and shamelessness are expected.
How do we return to a world where decency, restraint, and truth matter?
11 years later, it reads like satire. A whole generation has been socialized into the “Trump normal,” where chaos and shamelessness are expected.
How do we return to a world where decency, restraint, and truth matter?
Reclaiming the City Through Care: Public Urban Cultures of Care (open access)
Practices of #care become ever more important in times of multiple societal crises in which the quality of life of individuals and communities is significantly under stress.
www.cogitatiopress.com/urbanplannin...
Practices of #care become ever more important in times of multiple societal crises in which the quality of life of individuals and communities is significantly under stress.
www.cogitatiopress.com/urbanplannin...
October 18, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Reclaiming the City Through Care: Public Urban Cultures of Care (open access)
Practices of #care become ever more important in times of multiple societal crises in which the quality of life of individuals and communities is significantly under stress.
www.cogitatiopress.com/urbanplannin...
Practices of #care become ever more important in times of multiple societal crises in which the quality of life of individuals and communities is significantly under stress.
www.cogitatiopress.com/urbanplannin...
Albert Speer’s son was my urban design professor. Unlike his father, he was always humble, kind, and spent his life under the weight of that legacy. He started out as a carpenter—initially not even aiming to become a planner. He would’ve torn apart plans like Trump’s in a heartbeat, if they’re real.
October 13, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Albert Speer’s son was my urban design professor. Unlike his father, he was always humble, kind, and spent his life under the weight of that legacy. He started out as a carpenter—initially not even aiming to become a planner. He would’ve torn apart plans like Trump’s in a heartbeat, if they’re real.
“A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich {happily} use public transportation {together with people of all walks of life}.”
–Enrique Peñalosa
↳ You did something right as mayor of a local government, when the president of your country embraces your key idea
–Enrique Peñalosa
↳ You did something right as mayor of a local government, when the president of your country embraces your key idea
October 8, 2025 at 2:33 AM
“A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich {happily} use public transportation {together with people of all walks of life}.”
–Enrique Peñalosa
↳ You did something right as mayor of a local government, when the president of your country embraces your key idea
–Enrique Peñalosa
↳ You did something right as mayor of a local government, when the president of your country embraces your key idea
Honored to speak at the Osaka Expo on regenerating rural communities. Growing up in a town of 1,100 shaped my view. Grateful to share space with changemakers from Japan & Germany working to revitalize local economies & identities. A conversation close to my heart.
October 7, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Honored to speak at the Osaka Expo on regenerating rural communities. Growing up in a town of 1,100 shaped my view. Grateful to share space with changemakers from Japan & Germany working to revitalize local economies & identities. A conversation close to my heart.
Hegel believed that history has a purpose—a telos. For him, the ultimate goal of history is the realisation of human freedom. History isn’t random; it’s a process through which humanity becomes more self-aware and free … or so he thought. There are powerful forces that seek to turn back the wheel.
October 5, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Hegel believed that history has a purpose—a telos. For him, the ultimate goal of history is the realisation of human freedom. History isn’t random; it’s a process through which humanity becomes more self-aware and free … or so he thought. There are powerful forces that seek to turn back the wheel.
Dozens of urban renewal projects in Tokyo displace residents from mature, dense, close-knit, low-rise communities. Often seen as disaster-proofing or infrastructure upgrade, it’s rarely questioned as human rights issue. This flyer is from Musashikoyama residents fighting to save their community.
October 5, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Dozens of urban renewal projects in Tokyo displace residents from mature, dense, close-knit, low-rise communities. Often seen as disaster-proofing or infrastructure upgrade, it’s rarely questioned as human rights issue. This flyer is from Musashikoyama residents fighting to save their community.
I’ll join a panel on rural regeneration in Japan & Germany—Oct 3, 16:30–17:30 at the German Pavilion, #OsakaEXPO. Aging, depopulation in Global North, urban crises in Global South—rural innovation matters more than ever to tackle the planetary crisis.
www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/events/6668a...
www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/events/6668a...
October 5, 2025 at 1:06 AM
I’ll join a panel on rural regeneration in Japan & Germany—Oct 3, 16:30–17:30 at the German Pavilion, #OsakaEXPO. Aging, depopulation in Global North, urban crises in Global South—rural innovation matters more than ever to tackle the planetary crisis.
www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/events/6668a...
www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/events/6668a...
Tokyo's infrastructure is never complete. In a complex interplay between many different operators & authorities, the network is constantly expanded and optimised. As the Toyoko and Fukutoshin lines will connect, trains from Saitama will go through Ikebukuro & Shibuya directly to Haneda Airport.
October 4, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Tokyo's infrastructure is never complete. In a complex interplay between many different operators & authorities, the network is constantly expanded and optimised. As the Toyoko and Fukutoshin lines will connect, trains from Saitama will go through Ikebukuro & Shibuya directly to Haneda Airport.
The Mad King’s Reign of Terror gains relentless momentum, each decree more unhinged than the last ….
September 18, 2025 at 1:16 AM
The Mad King’s Reign of Terror gains relentless momentum, each decree more unhinged than the last ….
The transformation in Paris over the past 15‑20 years provides a strong case study in what happens to urban air quality when a city aggressively limits car traffic, promotes cycling, pedestrian zones, car‑share, etc. .
Source: airparif
Source: airparif
September 11, 2025 at 3:44 AM
The transformation in Paris over the past 15‑20 years provides a strong case study in what happens to urban air quality when a city aggressively limits car traffic, promotes cycling, pedestrian zones, car‑share, etc. .
Source: airparif
Source: airparif
Ezra Klein’s levelheaded post offers a valuable perspective by placing recent developments within the broader context of escalating political violence in the U.S. What’s needed now is a collective effort to calm the rhetoric surrounding violence, not to amplify it.
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Ezra Klein’s levelheaded post offers a valuable perspective by placing recent developments within the broader context of escalating political violence in the U.S. What’s needed now is a collective effort to calm the rhetoric surrounding violence, not to amplify it.
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
Here we go: Laura Loomer trying to use this tragic Charlie Kirk murder in order to create a #HorstWessel or #Reichstagsbrand moment, going after everyone associated with dissenting political ideas. This is so unsettling.
September 11, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Here we go: Laura Loomer trying to use this tragic Charlie Kirk murder in order to create a #HorstWessel or #Reichstagsbrand moment, going after everyone associated with dissenting political ideas. This is so unsettling.
On my Instagram, I wrote yesterday about the slow death of a tree in a middle-class neighbourhood and the socio-psychological factors behind the destruction of trees on an individual level in Tokyo and urban Japan.
www.instagram.com/p/DOJBDmCjdt...
www.instagram.com/p/DOJBDmCjdt...
September 3, 2025 at 11:24 PM
On my Instagram, I wrote yesterday about the slow death of a tree in a middle-class neighbourhood and the socio-psychological factors behind the destruction of trees on an individual level in Tokyo and urban Japan.
www.instagram.com/p/DOJBDmCjdt...
www.instagram.com/p/DOJBDmCjdt...
Tokyo is the exception to this otherwise sensible rule. Trees are endangered everywhere, in areas rich and poor. Even in old, downtown parks, hundreds of mature trees are being felled for redevelopment projects. See for example @japantimes.co.jp this deep dive: www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/...
September 3, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Tokyo is the exception to this otherwise sensible rule. Trees are endangered everywhere, in areas rich and poor. Even in old, downtown parks, hundreds of mature trees are being felled for redevelopment projects. See for example @japantimes.co.jp this deep dive: www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/...
Nestled in the hills east of Kōriyama, Fukushima #Branch is a vegan, fair-trade café and community space promoting sustainable living, where food, health, nature, and habitat form a connected whole. #transitiondesign
August 24, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Nestled in the hills east of Kōriyama, Fukushima #Branch is a vegan, fair-trade café and community space promoting sustainable living, where food, health, nature, and habitat form a connected whole. #transitiondesign
If you’d like to follow my reflections on urban & rural Japan (sometimes also on similar issues in my native Germany), join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/chr.dimmer/
Let’s explore shared #planningcultures & imagine better futures together!
#changemaking #transitiondesign #communityresilience
Let’s explore shared #planningcultures & imagine better futures together!
#changemaking #transitiondesign #communityresilience
August 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
If you’d like to follow my reflections on urban & rural Japan (sometimes also on similar issues in my native Germany), join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/chr.dimmer/
Let’s explore shared #planningcultures & imagine better futures together!
#changemaking #transitiondesign #communityresilience
Let’s explore shared #planningcultures & imagine better futures together!
#changemaking #transitiondesign #communityresilience