Prior + Partners’ Post

Thrilled with the outcome of one year effort for developing the first concerted attempt to spell out in detail what is involved in trying to implement 20MNs successfully.  This goal is both topical and highly relevant given the widespread ambitions across the UK and internationally, documented in the report, to see 20-minute neighbourhoods woven into existing urban, suburban and rural life so that people can ‘live well locally’. The report is available to all using the link below. Urban Design Group Sustrans ADAM Architecture Hilson Moran Proctor & Matthews Architects Kevin Murray Corstorphine & Wright The Scottish Government Royal Town Planning Institute RIBA Urban Land Institute Scottish Land Commission Landscape Institute Design Council Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland United Nations Council of the European Union C40 Cities The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce) RTPI International PlacemakingX Placemaking Europe Placemaking Plus The Academy of Urbanism (AoU) Arab Land Initiative The American Institute of Architects (AIA) World Economic Forum World Green Building Council UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) RICS Urban ReLeaf Carlos Moreno Gehl - Making Cities for People David Sim Wulf Daseking Ian Cooper Ranim Alwair #15MinCity #20MinNeighbourhoods #LiveWellLocally

My recent report, "Six Ways to Correct the Mistakes in Modern Urbanism and Put It Right Again," explores the disconnect between the historical magic of older cities and the often sterile feel of modern urban environments. The report delves into: How Modern urban planning prioritizes efficiency over human connection. Walkable streets and public squares foster a stronger sense of community. 6 actionable strategies to reclaim the charm and vibrancy of modern cities. 1: Design pedestrian-friendly Streets. 2: Recognize Public Areas 3: Accept Mixed-use developments 4: Human Scale and High-Density Development in Balance 5: Include Green Infrastructure 6:- Create focal points for the community Note: I am very happy to receive your valuable feedback, comments, and criticisms on my report. I believe it will help me improve the quality of my future reports, Thank you. Mail: aravindvk307@gamil.com.

Usually in the series of “Humankind Glossary” we give precise definitions to the words we use when navigating through projects and cities but today we wanted to speak about a layered concept that does not have a precise definition – the word "smooth" when applied to cities or urban environments. What is a smooth city? What do we mean by this word? Smooth can be referred to two very different dynamics where the scenario is not just the city but also the citizens who are actors within it. Before reading Rene Boer’s book “Smooth City - Against Urban Perfection Towards Collective Alternatives” we had one idea of what a smooth city could be. Sometimes we've seen the word “smooth” referred to a city, a street or a neighbourhood to convey that those spaces are transformative and fluid - a city that changes temporally its features based on the needs of the citizens. We can do an imaginative exercise for this concept and think about a day in the life of a plaza: in the morning we have a local market, in the afternoon some kids play together, later we can find a group of people doing sport and, maybe, during the night it transforms into the perfect hotspot for teens to hang out. On the opposite, though, the word smooth can also be used to refer to the concrete phenomenon of "washed spaces" where urban life was transformed into a seamless experience - everything is comforting and standardised, there is no space for experimentation, for appropriation out of the box. So, what do you think about when you hear the word “smooth” referring to a city?

The U.K. faces a housing crisis with a 4.3 million home deficit and a rapidly growing population. The original Garden Cities by Ebenezer Howard offered bold, innovative solutions that balanced urban growth with the natural environment. Today, we need to revive this concept with entirely new, self-sufficient cities designed for a million people, not just suburban extensions. 🌳🏡 Learn more about New Garden Cities with Gensler's Ian Mulcahey. https://lnkd.in/e7NnPJQ2

I'm thrilled to announce that my article, "Book Review: The New Urban Crisis by Richard Florida," has been published on Urban Design Lab! 🎉 In this review, I delve into Florida's critical perspectives on urban inequality, economic shifts, and the challenges facing contemporary cities, sparking reflections on how we can create more inclusive urban futures. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/d2Yp4gEY #UrbanDesign #UrbanPlanning #UrbanInequality #RichardFlorida #BookReview #CityPlanning #TheNewUrbanCrisis

Affordable housing and #sustainable cities and communities is one of the topics on the RIBA EUROPE agenda and part of the United Nations #SDGs, it should be taken seriously by all decision makers and #architects can contribute a lot to the new way of thinking about one of the most important human rights.

Discover how urban design impacts our health. Levi Frehlich, a PhD candidate from the Cumming School of Medicine UCalgary at the University of Calgary, reveals that neighbourhood walkability and green spaces significantly influence fitness levels. “This research underscores the importance of creating environments that support physical activity and overall health,” says Frehlich. Thoughtful urban planning can lead to healthier communities by encouraging daily physical activity, reducing stress levels and improving mental well-being. Learn more about the connection between urban design and health and how thoughtful planning can lead to healthier communities. Read the full UToday story: https://bit.ly/4e7ShcR #HealthResearch #UCalgaryGradStudies #UCalgaryInnovation #StartSomething

I'm really excited about the books coming out this fall by Sara C. Bronin Michael Eliason Shamichael Hallman Benjamin Bradlow Alex Hannaford Joe William Trotter, Jr. and Nicole Gelinas covering topics like zoning, the importance of libraries, Black cities, pedestrianization, low-carbon design, gentrification, and more. Check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eKsh6Fn6

does the city of the future look like the city of the past? Have a look at this interesting article: https://lnkd.in/e4NTT_Si

Yesterday's critical decision session created ripples around the city, sparking conversations on future development plans for the South Side. The movements and steps we see being taken today lay the groundwork for the area's transformation. - Predictions and Consequences Considering the potential scenarios arising from this vote, a central theme emerges: Curb urban sprawl while instilling a sense of rejuvenation in long-neglected parts of the city. If the proposed plan gets the needed approvals, South Side may witness an influx of new and innovative development, which could: • Ignite economic growth via business opportunities • Encourage community inclusivity and diversity • Enhances the lifestyle standards However, in providing forth these developments, one must factor in challenging aspects such as potential gentrification, rising property prices, and strain on public resources that often accompany urban transformations. The city inevitably faces a delicate balancing act of innovation and growth, incorporated with preservation and inclusivity. - Analytical Viewpoint A strategic analysis of these upcoming changes requests an understanding of South Side's historical context. The transformation planned could either lead to an enhanced, vibrant neighborhood that retains its rich history or cause displacement due to high property and living cost. The city’s decision not only shapes the urban landscape but molds the lives of current and future South Side residents. It is equally interesting and essential to witness how local authorities will mitigate gentrification effects such as displacement and a potential higher cost of living. - Concluding Thoughts Whatever the outcome may be, this upcoming decision signifies a crucial moment, paving the way for the South Side’s future. An economically vibrant, diverse, and inclusive South Side will send a clear message – every part of the city matters. As we approach decision-time, let's hope that the path chosen ensures the creation of liveable spaces experiencing the city's cycles of growth and development. Finally, our thoughts remain with the residents of South Side – the true stakeholders behind these changes. They are the ones who will tie together the past and future, stitching together the neighborhood's new narrative as decision-makers redefine its skyline. #SouthSideDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CityGrowth #InclusiveDevelopment