Witco’s Post

Don't just take our word for how transformative our #studytours are! Hear it from alumni who lived and breathed our 2018 and 2019 collaborative urbanism tour! We don't do these tours for financial gain (believe me, there isn't any). We do it to form balanced, informed and passionate built environment professionals and start dialogue and spark ideas that otherwise wouldn't be there. Here are the hard facts: - WHAT: Cultural powerhouses tour - WHEN: May 22-31 May 2024 - FOR WHOM: for international built environment professionals - WHERE: London, Paris and Nantes (in that order) - WITH WHOM: Our founder and director Michelle Tabet GAICD supported by aida esposito and Clarissa Pelino (two fabulous cultural urbanists) - HOW MUCH: Deposit amount: 1500 - BY WHEN Deadline for deposit: 15 March 2024 CPD points available - a great way to get that training budget spent before end of financial year! PS: tour cost is adaptable if people are from either Paris, London or Nantes and don't need accommodation for part of the trip! Send us a DM for more information or to make a time to chat about this opportunity for you.

Many thanks to Make for organising, sponsoring, and facilitating the event last week, and to all the speakers, and the delegates for an excellent discussion. The lively and informative discussion covered many areas including the relationship between the built environment, the digital environment, learning, teaching and social activities, the importance of flexible outdoor space (the value of which was reinforced during COVID) and the key elements of a successful 'sticky campus'. The discussion also emphasised the importance of Post Occupancy Evaluations and sharing the outcomes, the complexity of university decision-making and stakeholder engagement, and the recognition that every university will have different priorities and need different solutions. The discussion also considered links between universities and their external communities, while Make, values its role as part of the Fitzrovia community. The discussion also explored the importance of designers and university estates working close together so that new buildings and landscapes are easily and well-maintained and Zero Carbon strategies are achieved, and how flexible well-designed buildings can respond to the fast-changing world. Thanks again to Make Architects, Elliott Wood, Max Fordham LLP, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, and ZZA Responsive User Environments. For more events this year, https://ow.ly/bbTO50QKEUu

We are proud to announce the members of the McGill Real Estate Club won 2nd place at the Ivanhoé Cambridge i3c Challenge. This competition of 9 teams, involving HEC Montréal, McGill University, and FSA ULaval, focused on the intersection of finance and data analysis, specifically regarding the impact of hybrid work on the future dynamics of cities. Our team was awarded 2nd place at McGill University - Desautels Faculty of Management and was comprised of Christophe Lam, GaEun Kim, and Anthony Aburquez They proposed a model predicting cities' success or struggle post-pandemic, focusing on real estate, hybrid work trends, and sustainability. Key recommendations included creating hybrid spaces, improving mass transit, and enhancing energy efficiency. They predicted changes in office demand, housing trends, and shifts in retail and industrial spaces due to evolving work patterns. The competition served as a platform for students to explore and propose solutions for the evolving landscape of urban development in the context of shifting work patterns. The emphasis on hybrid work reflects a significant trend in urban and workplace dynamics, suggesting changes in demand for office spaces, residential preferences, and infrastructure needs in cities.

Curious about the future of urban mobility? Here’s where the biggest conversations are happening in October - and where you can find us.🧠📆 Here’s what’s on the horizon: 📌 Study tour CitiFi (08. October, Amsterdam) North American city reps visit Amsterdam to explore mobility innovations. A great opportunity to showcase Smart Zone as a solution in curbside management at Marineterrein. 📌 Kennis- en Demodag #25 @ AMS Institute (10. October, Amsterdam) Under the theme “Re-inventing the city”, the AMS institute opens its doors for demonstration and hosts a fair for all kinds of innovative solutions aiming to make the city liveable, sustainable, resilient and inclusive. 📌 Urbanism Next Europe (09.-11. October, Amsterdam) The Europe conferences really excel at bringing together interesting keynote speakers and finding the right balance between workshops and field visits. With its theme focusing particularly on emerging technologies, we are happy to participate. 📌 Von A nach B Mission (13.-16. October, Berlin) We were invited to a Trade Mission to understand and engage with the urban mobility scene of Germany’s capital. We’re looking forward to an insightful knowledge exchange! 📌 Smart Country Convention (15.-17. October, Berlin) And while we are there, we are more than happy to partake in the Smart Country Convention to see the latest tech solutions and talk to fellow practitioners. 📌 Citizens on the Move Site Visits (21.-23. October, Rotterdam) The training programme aims to boost the capacities of city governments to engage with their citizens and other stakeholders on the sustainable mobility transition. After hosting workshops and creating a learning programme, it is time for some site visits! Which ones are you attending? 👋

🔬 Science Sum up: September 23-27 The sector got to the end of a full-on week with news heard across all fronts bar planning (as promised). It was noisy at One North Quay in London this week as Canary Wharf Group and Kadans Science Partner have started construction of Europe’s tallest purpose-built commercial lab. The 823,000 sq ft vertical campus, designed by KPF, will comprise up to 60% of CL2 space and would be capable to accommodate CL3. Tom Venner says: “We are doing this because we are confident in the current state of the life sciences market, but also in the future.” Indeed, this confidence in the market was echoed by Life Science REIT which is pressing ahead with retrofit of its office buildings into labs. The move comes as assets that are being valued as offices are holding back the REIT’s portfolio values more than the labs. Looking further ahead, the team believes that the fundamentals of the life sciences market in the UK will continue to drive lab rents higher once the REIT’s portfolio is fully stabilised and repurposed. Industry experts have gathered at the Magdalen College, University of Oxford to share the ideas on what else could be done to further boost the region as a go-to location on the global life sciences arena. The event was hosted by The Oxford Science Park (TOSP) as it presses ahead with the delivery of the Daubeny Project in a move to address shortage of science-related real estate in the region. This week has also been marked by big industry people moves. Nicholas Blevins will replace Emma Goodford as head of life sciences team at Knight Frank. He comes from Cushman & Wakefield, having been at the consultancy for more than 10 years. BioMed Realty has added Mark Bush from Davis to its senior operations team. He will work alongside Colleen O'Connor, overseeing the firm’s operations and facilities functions across two core markets – Boston in the US and Cambridge in the UK. More news to come live throughout next week on EG pages to be wrapped up on this page late Friday. #lifescience #realestate #outlook #development #retrofit #people #industry #market #goldentriangle #confidence

HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION DISTRICT? At the Dutch real estate fair Provada yesterday, two sessions stood out for their focus on innovation districts. AM Vastgoed presented plans for the station areas in Zwolle and 's Hertogenbosch, highlighting how these areas are being reimagined to drive future growth and innovation. In a seminar hosted by Arup, attention was given to innovation areas in transition, with a primary focus on the development and challenges of innovation districts. It became clear that creating such districts is no straightforward task. It requires a long-term vision and a great deal of flexibility. The Netherlands is witnessing a surge in initiatives to develop innovation districts. This concept resonates well because it aligns with the needs and expectations of young professionals regarding their workplaces. However, given the complexity and significant impact of these projects, it is essential to carefully consider the actual development opportunities before proceeding. Innovation districts are not merely about constructing new buildings but involve creating dynamic environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and sustainable growth. The sessions at Provada offered invaluable insights into the essential elements required for a successful innovation district. This includes integrating community needs, ensuring multimodal accessibility, and maintaining affordable space for start-ups and small businesses. For those interested in the practicalities and strategies behind creating thriving innovation districts, follow this link to an article that explores the key requirements for a well-planned innovation district: https://lnkd.in/etRFZX3c Shortly summarised: Key characteristics of innovation districts include dense, mixed-use environments that connect educational institutions with entrepreneurial entities and are well-integrated with transport and digital infrastructure. Economic viability demands a solid foundation of innovative companies and start-ups. The physical environment must also support high-density, compact areas facilitating interaction and collaboration with multimodal accessibility and multifunctional public spaces. Management and organisation are essential, requiring public-private partnerships and a clear, flexible long-term strategy. Ultimately, the feasibility and potential of innovation district initiatives in the Netherlands can be accurately assessed only through thorough analysis. Paul Jansen Vivian Scheepers Benny Ng, PhD Marcella Wiffrie Marius Woldberg Walter Stam Paul Guldemond Ralph Geers #InnovationDistricts #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstate #Provada #AMVastgoed #Arup #SustainableGrowth #YoungProfessionals Photo: Belval Innovation District, Luxembourg (copyright iStock / Jacques van Dinteren)

𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙘𝙝𝙩-𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣 Lovely and relaxed living. Relax in natural surroundings, yet less than half an hour’s drive from work. A schnitzel in Germany, a glorious glass of special beer in Belgium and along the way relaxing by the Maasplassen, the largest interconnected water sports area in the Netherlands. And all in the same afternoon! Gemeente Echt - Susteren is also called “The Narrowest Part of the Netherlands”, because here you are just 4.8 kilometres from Belgium, via the Netherlands, already in Germany. The municipality of Echt-Susteren has a population of approximately 32,000. 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙘𝙝𝙩-𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣 You can reach a number of larger cities in the German Ruhr area or in Dusseldorf, Cologne and Aachen. Belgium is also not far with Brussels, Antwerp, Liège or Hasselt within an hour’s drive. Echt-Susteren is not only centrally located in Limburg; it is also perfectly accessible by the two motorways and two train stations with fast connections to Maastricht and Eindhoven. This also means that large companies such as DSM, Chemelot, Philips, etc. are within easy reach. 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙘𝙝𝙩-𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣 Whether it’s about schooling for little ones or young adults, the first steps towards a glorious future can be taken in Echt-Susteren. There is a good offering of quality education within the municipality, so that children up to the age of 18 do not have to cycle more than ten minutes to get to school. Thanks to the excellent train connections, the Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, the RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Cologne University or the University of Hasselt are also within easy reach. The 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 section at our Maastricht Region manual comes complete with an overview of each of the municipalities that make up this beautiful region. Providing you the information on living, working and education you need to make the best choices for you, your family and your career 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/ePbUJR-x #expatcentremaastrichtregion #maastrichtregion #welcometomaastrichtregion #gemeenteechtsusteren

Ever wondered how to transform a city into an urban paradise? Rennes Métropole in France is doing just that, and it’s absolutely revolutionary. Let’s dive into how this vibrant city is using digital innovation to redefine urban living. Rennes Métropole is on a mission to build a sustainable future, one digital step at a time. We're thrilled to partner with them in bringing their vision to life using our 3DEXPERIENCE City platform. Imagine a city where: ● Planners, residents, and businesses collaborate seamlessly. ● A thriving, eco-friendly community emerges. ● Ideas are tested through a virtual twin to reduce the carbon footprint. ● The quality of life is enhanced for everyone. That’s the reality Rennes is building! Rennes is not just keeping up with the future; they’re leading the way in sustainable urban planning. The future is here, and it’s green. Check out their story in the comments. #3DEXPERIENCE #SustainableCities #SmartCities #UrbanPlanning #Rennes #France #innovation #partnership

A Guide to On-Campus Living in London Living on campus in London can be an exciting and rewarding experience for students. With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife, the city offers an unparalleled setting for academic and personal growth. When it comes to choosing a place to live on campus, there are a few key factors to consider. The first and most important is location. London is a sprawling city, so it's crucial to choose a campus that is conveniently located near your classes, amenities, and public transportation. Once you've found a suitable location, it's time to consider the housing options available ... > Readmore https://lnkd.in/g6bP5pkg

In our latest Collabor-eat by Arcadis, we focused on urban development with our partners and clients. The question of the day: How can we optimize and kickstart a long-term vision via short-term quick wins? During the session, my colleague Jo Van de Sype stressed the importance of smart and sustainable city planning with the incorporation of quick wins to make complex urban projects less overwhelming and to achieve results with a faster turnaround. To give a tangible example, peter tanghe, Project Manager at Stad Kortrijk, shared how the Casino and Conservatory Square project fits into the bigger picture of revitalizing Kortrijk's city center. Discover some highlights in the video below. 👇 #CollaborEat #UrbanDevelopment #CityPlanning