Having lived in London for 2 years in the late 1980’s, I was interested to see how it has developed since then. And catch up with a number of people. London is a huge, huge system and it is almost impossible to understand how it works… I still find it overwhelming and not sure how to manage the quantities of things happening there. That said, there is so much to learn from the people and place.
The following observations are only that - they cannot be more thorough after only 5 days. If I have anything wrong or have missed significant issues - please let me know:-)
How does London bring the story of place to life?
What a complex place London is! I have no idea how to read its many aspects or the evolutions and revolutions it has enjoyed/endured over time. The number of people wanting to live there indicates that the story is rich and attractive to many.
Gordon Square Garden, London
centre Country* in design?
I don’t think Country has been seen as the focus of development - much more the people and their needs.
What would this look like going forward? An interesting question that is really worthwhile thinking about in every project.
enhance its context, connections and culture?
These issues seem to be central to this place, making it such a vibrant place that so many people want to be in.
positively contribute to its watershed?
Not sure on this one…
How does London celebrate resourcefulness?
This is really difficult to comprehend in such a big place. Especially one that supports both some of the greatest resource consumers in the world alongside some of those with the least resources to use. Vast inequality does not seem to engender care and concern, which is needed to celebrate resourcefulness.
achieve net zero carbon in its life cycle?
There does seems to be a strong focus on this in building design, development and use, with a particular interest in embodied carbon at this time. However, this is not a lay down misere, with struggles on every level evident.
I am inspired by the work done by LETI, Architects Declare and ACAN in this arena.
incorporate lean design for optimal resource use?
With costs escalating for all construction, one would assume this would be par for the course. It is hard for me to tell exactly what is happening in such a short time.
balance economic measures of cost and value?
Again - hard to tell in such a short time.
How does London enable communities to thrive?
This is a tricky one - there does seem to be much community unrest in the UK at the moment, as discussed in the newspapers and TV. While it is not too evident in the (privileged) areas we explored in London, we were told many stories of the unevenness of care for people across the country, and for refugees in particular. A successful future does seem to need wide ranging communities to be able to thrive together.
I am not sure how the following dot points are being addressed at the moment.
improve the communities physical and psychological health and well-being?
provide equitable and affordable access and resources to diverse communities?
empower community members to realise their potential and flourish?
How does London foster ‘long now’ thinking of good ancestors?
There seems to have been many unsuccessful short term political decisions made of late, which are helping give a sense of unease to the country. As a place that has dominated the world over much of the past 200 years, it does not seem to be either well placed or able to continue in this role. As this has been one of domination, colonisation and inequality, perhaps a new future based on different ways of being in the world is required? How can this country, rich in people, ideas and history, help create the better future we need? Organisations such as Architects Declare, LETI, ACAN, Doughnut Economics, Macarthur Foundation etc are very much stepping up to this challenge and leading the way.
St Pancreas Station
respect and value existing communities and buildings?
There are so many buildings from all times in this city’s history that make it so interesting to visit and walk around. The blue plates on many buildings that tell the story of its buildings and people are a wonderful glimpse into the rich history of the place.
The retention and updating of existing buildings is a big and open debate at the moment, which is great to see.
enable future communities to endure and adapt to changing climates and needs?
I see many interesting buildings being designed, but am not well placed to see how they are dealing with change that will be coming in the future.
regenerate resources as we use them?
Again, I am not well placed to comment on this.
The issue of energy is clearly huge, especially with the instability of energy supply from Russia and much of Europe. While there is little sun, there are a lot of wind and tidal energy possibilities that I understand are being explored.
I am not sure how the issues of food production and supply, or water capture and treatment are big approached.
How does London inspire and enable capacity and agency?
London continues to be a centre of interest and inspiration in so many areas, along with some of the strongest advocates for a better future. With concerns for scarcity of many things, a big question is how can this be extended to the widest possible group of people who live there, including the immigrants that have arrived on their shores?
Catching up with some of the Architects Declare team :-)
help us understand and want to be in relation with and care for Country?
While there seem to be many who want to care for the natural places and re-wild many as well, there is much evidence (such as rubbish on the streets and lots of graffiti) of people not caring. How to increase this care on a wide ranging level seems to be an important part of any successful future.
support and promote healthy and fair supply chains?
There seems to be much work happening in this arena for the built environment. I am not sure about other areas.
inspire with stories that help us and others in our work?
I wanted to visit London to talk with some of my heroes who constantly inspire me :-) I am sure many others do as well.