We recently attended an incredible event convened by the Urban Land Institute in Sydney; Global Perspectives on Designing for Future Generations.
The event featured some of the world’s leading thinkers across architecture, urban design and sustainability including Paul Toyne (Grimshaw’s Global Head of Sustainability, London); Viggo Haremst (Henning Larsen’s Design Director for International Projects, Copenhagen) and friend of Reactivate, Vincent Taapken (New Industry, Rotterdam). They shared case studies of transformative property projects across Europe and UK, and key insights into how the housing industry could transition from a commodity-based model to a habitation-based model.
Other interesting discussions centred around in the rapid but often overlooked urbanisation in India and Africa as well as the climate crisis's disproportionate impact on women and children, and the need to more actively involve these demographics in decision making in the built environment
Many provocative but relevant questions were asked such as whether there is a radical need to change the ‘for profit’ development model, whether the built environment industry is actually advocating for future generations, the role of government providing housing via compulsory acquisitions and the need for incentive verses regulation driven change.
Our Co-Founder and Managing Director Andrew is the Chair of ULI’s Sydney District Council and member of its Asia Pacific Placemaking Product Council. Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more about the ULI in Australia.