In praise of the humble field trip
We are drowning in debate over how we should meet for work, if and when people come in at all. Field trips are a great way to surface, and to share learning and power between stakeholders.
placemaking
Building community in unprecedented times
How can the built environment create community connections? Practical reflections from the online launch or our People, Place and Community report
Community, connection and Covid 19: How landscape-led placemaking prioritises and strengthens community
Since the start of the pandemic people of all ages now spend more time outdoors – and the public realm has taken on a new significance in community life. As we look towards a post-pandemic future, this case study explores Thamesmead, the lessons we can learn from how communities have used outside spaces during lockdown and how landscape-led placemaking prioritises and strengthens community.
Places, Spaces and Sociality: how the built environment creates a sense of community
Since March 2020, the way we connect with each other has dramatically changed. But what influence does the built environment have? One day before the second UK lockdown came to an end, we explored the role of the built environment in fostering a sense of community.
‘Connections’ Ep. 4: Culture + Place
Hear about the shifting connections between culture and place in this lively conversation with cultural strategist Aida Esposito, Southbank Centre’s Gillian Moore CBE and placemaking strategist and FoL alum Paul Augarde.
Funding public projects in chaotic times
With 10 years of austerity followed by Grenfell, Brexit and now Covid-19, funding public projects may seem more daunting than ever. But there is potential. Read on…
Spotlight: The next 100 years of real estate
At a Bartlett Real Estate Institute event with FoL involvement, panellists discussed possibilities for real estate over the next century. This Spotlight summarises the event.
Alumni breakfast briefing: Place leadership
LB Redbridge Chief Exec Andy Donald argues that councils need to redefine their role as leaders of placemaking. At November’s breakfast briefing, he invited alumni to think of councils as conveners: providing a platform to bring stakeholders together and establishing a ‘low floor, high ceiling’ that sets the tone for collaboration and co-production in shaping our neighbourhoods.
Economic-led regeneration: how do we measure success?
How do we measure the success of a place when compared to its surrounding neighbourhood or city-wide economy? FoL Alumni and invited guests came together to explore this question and consider how some of London’s most high-profile regeneration projects perform against a more holistic view of placemaking.
Overcoming Barriers: Connecting Croydon
Future of London’s July field trip took us to Zone 5 to see how projects today are working to connect Croydon and address the challenging legacy of past development.
Spotlight: Crossrail impact tops predictions; more to come
Borough input emphasises planning, placemaking, leadership Crossrail’s potential is just coming to the fore, according to a GVA report produced with input from Future of London. The Elizabeth line, a.k.a. Crossrail, will bring new rail service to stations in 12 London boroughs, linking Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east … Read more
Fresh approaches to older people’s housing: Insights from overseas
Our latest guest Spotlight is from Matt Lally, a specialist in urban planning and placemaking at Arup. Matt recently returned from an assignment in Sydney researching age friendly cities and shares his findings.