How do we manage change in our places? The question of change, and who is involved and how this involvement informs decisions about the built environment matter. Places that are places where people want to be should be conceived with people. The process should imagine how the same place will adapt for different generations over time. In this context, how the masterplanning process is organised, the values upon which it is based and the degree of engagement with people that shape it significantly influence the outcome.
The Geddes Institute for Urban Research hosted a Symposium on ‘Masterplanning in Current Conditions’ in October 2012 to debate these issues and begin a conversation about where next for the masterplanning process. Organised by Dr. Husam Al Waer, the Symposium began with an audience participation exercise on the benefits and problems of the Masterplanning process. This feedback was reflected in three presentations by Professor Brian Evans on context, Professor Kevin Murray on masterplanning as medium term placemaking and Rob Cowan on learning from the recent histories of masterplanning. Diarmaid Lawlor, Head of Urbanism at A+DS provided a summary overview of the issues and themes discussed, which have been captured in this summary report.
Images and a video from the event have been captured by Tracey Dixon of University of Dundee, which are available here:
A summary powerpoint of the key issues discussed at the Symposium is available here.
The report of the Symposium is also available on the Geddes Institute website.
Headline Image: Kevin Murray speaking at the Syposium. Image courtesy of Tracey Dixon, University of Dundee.
