ESCMT Launches the Executive Program in Urban Renewal & Sustainable Development in Collaboration with Tongji University

Interdisciplinary, Global, and Practice-Driven: A Sino-French Collaboration Shaping the Future of Urban Transformation

Tongji University

To advance China’s national strategy on urban renewal and sustainable development, ESCMT (École Supérieure Coévolution Management & Technologies) proudly announces the launch of the Executive Program in Urban Renewal & Sustainable Development, co-organized with Tongji University and the Shanghai Urban Renewal Research Association.The inaugural session will be held in Shanghai from November 12 to 16, 2025 at Tongji University.

This high-level executive program combines international academic expertise with practical, cross-sector insight — empowering policymakers, urban developers, and corporate leaders to rethink cities through the lens of innovation and sustainability.

1. Triple Certification: A Bridge Between Academia and Practice

Participants will receive three official certificates upon completion:

• Certificate of Completion issued by Tongji University, a leading institution in urban planning and architecture;

• International Certificate from ESCMT France, a next-generation management and technology institute;

• Professional Talent Certificate from the Shanghai Urban Renewal Research Association, qualifying participants to apply for the city’s official expert pool.

This triple recognition reflects both academic rigor and applied professional excellence.

2. Curriculum Highlights: AI × ESG × Digital Twin

The curriculum integrates international perspectives with emerging technologies to address the entire lifecycle of urban renewal projects.Core modules include:

• AI Empowerment in Urban Renewal – led by Prof. Wu Zhiqiang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, exploring how AI transforms city management and spatial design.

• ESG and Creativity in Urban Transformation – Dr. Florent Deisting from Toulouse Business School illustrates how ESG frameworks generate both social and economic value.

• Digital Twins for Smart Cities – Christine Ma from ESRI USA presents real-world case studies of digital twin technology.

• Urban Mobility Challenges in Global Cities – Prof. Michel Savy, Chairman of TDIE France, shares European strategies for sustainable transport and congestion management.

Other modules include Investment Models, Industrial Park Revitalization, Community Renewal, Heritage Protection, and Building Reuse Strategies — delivering a full-spectrum, practice-oriented curriculum.

3. Learning Beyond the Classroom: Immersive Field Visits

The ESCMT program combines academic lectures with on-site learning across Shanghai’s landmark renewal projects:

🏛 Wukang Building – heritage protection and adaptive reuse🏗 Yuyuan New Space (Upstream @Sunshine) – industrial transformation into creative community🌿 Yangpu Riverside – from industrial rust belt to green waterfront🏘 Changbai Community – residential renewal and public participation🏙 Panlong Tiandi – innovative village-to-city regeneration🚢 Jing’an “LV Louis Boat” & Xuhui Waterfront – new models of cultural and commercial revitalization

Each visit features direct discussions with project leaders, offering insight into China’s evolving urban renewal practices.

4. Distinguished Faculty: Global Vision, Local Insight

The faculty lineup brings together leading scholars, policymakers, and industry experts:

• Prof. Wu Zhiqiang, Academician, Tongji University

• Prof. Wu Jiang, Academician, French Academy of Architecture

• Dr. Florent Deisting, Director of Social Transformation, Toulouse Business School

• Prof. Michel Savy, Chairman, TDIE France

• Christine Ma, Director of Digital Twin Strategy, ESRI USA

• Experts from JLL, Huajian Technology, and Esri China Information Technology

This cross-disciplinary team ensures a unique synthesis of theory, governance, and innovation.、

5. Who Should Attend

Ideal for:Government officials, urban planners, developers, architects, investors, sustainability experts, and senior executives engaged in city transformation.

Key takeaways:

• Gain insight into global trends and Chinese urban renewal policy;

• Understand ESG- and AI-driven urban innovation frameworks;

• Strengthen strategic and digital competencies;

• Earn triple institutional certifications;

• Join a high-level Sino-French professional network.

In the age of rapid urbanization and climate transition, urban renewal is no longer just about reconstructing space — it is about reimagining the future.Through this Executive Program, ESCMT and Tongji University aim to cultivate visionary leaders capable of driving sustainable, intelligent, and inclusive cities worldwide.