Upcoming UDG Events

Unless otherwise stated, all events are held in The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ at 6.30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door from 6.00pm: £5.00 non-members, £2.00 members, £1.00 students

Click here for STREET London events.

WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2010

Secure By Design?

It is now more than 30 years since the Irish Republican threat led to anti-terrorism interventions in the urban environment. However since 9/11 the threat has become more serious and complex; the response has seen legislation and guidance that is having a dramatic effect on the way we design our cities and streets, now and in the future. Speakers from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) will discuss the challenges we face and how, through a process of integrated design, urban designers can be at the forefront in making our built environment safer and more secure for everyone.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Urban Design for Developing Cities

Speakers: Ed Parham - Space Syntax, Prof Nabeel Hamdi - Oxford Brookes, Tony Lloyd-Jones - University of Westminster

Three speakers explore the challenges and lessons to be learned from urban design in developing cities. Ed Parham will give an insight into Space Syntax’s work in the unplanned settlements of Jeddah where purely physical interventions are always intrinsically linked to social, economic, political and environmental considerations. Prof Nabeel Hamdi of the Housing and Urban Development Department at Oxford Brookes will talk about his new book, The Placemakers’ Guide to Building Community, which looks at community centred urban improvement programmes from around the world with many examples drawn from developing countries in Africa, Latin America and post-tsunami Asia. Tony Lloyd Jones from University of Westminster will discuss planning for sustainable development and strategic urban design in Africa, reflecting on 40 years of the work of Max Lock Centre in Nigeria.

THURSDAY 21 – SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER 2010, LEEDS

The National Conference on Urban Design: Urban Design on the Edge

Venue: Leeds Metropolitan University

Those who practice and promote urban design have long subscribed to the view that there is a close link between the quality of places and their economic success and viability. But what happens to places in an ‘age of austerity’? What role do those involved in shaping the urban environment have to play in an era of cuts in the public sector and when the private sector is being starved of funds for development? What can we learn from places and projects that have already shown us how to live - and thrive - in the current economic context? How should urban designers work with and alongside local communities and their elected representatives to help fulfil their potential?

This conference brings together a wide range of people who have already begun to address the contemporary challenges facing our neighbourhoods, towns and cities. It will hear from those involved in innovative projects that have successfully engaged with - and made the most of - the relationship between design and local economic sustainability. Participants will have the chance to review and debate appropriate responses to key contemporary design, social, economic, political and environmental issues. The event will examine and explore the contribution practitioners in urban design can make to addressing current and future problems and learn through examples about what works and what to do next.

For full programme information and details of how to book, please see the pdf below or contact admin@udg.org.uk