Trialog 147TRIALOG 40+ Years

As we commemorate more than 40 years since TRIALOG’s foundation, we reflect on the incredible journey that began in 1983. Founded to accommodate research from academics, practitioners and those engaged in development cooperation, TRIALOG has focused on exploring and addressing the complexities of planning and building in a global context. Over the decades, change has been inevitable and TRIALOG has tried to keep up with the times.

This has included shifts in terminology and focus of research, such as moving from the concept of “third world countries” to the “global south” and from “environmental conservation” to the urgent issue of “climate change”. At the same time, some concepts have transcended time including social justice, gender issues or feminist approaches to city making.

TRIALOG has grown and evolved alongside these changes, expanding its reach to include research and practice reports not only from the global south but also from the global north. This expansion has enriched the content of the journal, bringing diverse perspectives and a broader understanding of global issues. Our unique approach remains being committed to integrating knowledge from practitioners and acting as a platform of exchange between the academic and the practice world, in which some of the members are also fluid between them. TRIALOG therefore continues to curve its niche and distinguish itself from classical academic publications. In this way, we remain a dynamic and relevant platform for sharing
knowledge and promoting urban dialogues.

As the editorial board, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the almost 100 members who have supported TRIALOG steadfastly and continuously over time, and also those engaged in more momentarily, but significant turning points for the association. We would like to thank those who have been with us long enough to witness the transformation of the association and we appreciate those that are just joining in recognition of TRIALOG as a valuable network for continuous engagement. Your dedication and trust have indeed shaped the journal’s success. We also thank our subscribers, whose support has been crucial in receiving and multiplying TRIALOG’s contents. To the numerous authors and readers worldwide, who continually contribute to and engage with TRIALOG we remain deeply grateful for making the journal what it is and pushing forward to explore where it can go. Your contributions and readership advance the relevance of TRIALOG and allow the association to make a meaningful impact in the field of architecture, urban planning and development.

As we look to the future, we hope to ensure TRIALOG remains committed to the mission of bridging the gap between academic research and practical experience. We envision TRIALOG continuing to serve as a platform for dialogues on emerging urban issues, for innovative ideas and for addressing contemporary urban challenges. As an association we will continue to work towards discourse between world regions, following the literal sense of the name TRIALOG. With your support, we are confident that TRIALOG will remain an alternative Journal that values practical knowledge alongside scholarly work.

Thank you for being a part of TRIALOG’s journey. We look forward to many more years of impactful research, dialogues and contributions to the field of (transforming) architecture, urban planning and development.

Dorcas Nthoki Nyamai, Franziska Laue, Nadine Appelhans, Katharina Frieling,
Jan Dieterle and Alejandro de Castro Mazarro