LONDON BUILD 2024

(A post by director Cristina)

Recent posts from Selena Moseley about this year’s London Build Expo prompted me to reflect on the London Build 2024 edition, when I had the pleasure of moderating the "Designing the Future of UK High Street" panel on the Architecture Stage.

My role as moderator was made easy by a remarkable panel: Michaela Winter-Taylor (Gensler), James Dixon (Darling Associates Architects), Jay Gort (Gort Scott), and Michael Cowdy (McGregor Coxall). My hope was to inspire and motivate the audience, and their contributions were even more insightful than I had anticipated.

Since I had my notebook with me, and haven’t shared my notes before, here they are:

Retail focus:

I began by questioning whether the focus should be on attracting shoppers back to high streets (something mainstream media sees to focus on), or whether we should reimagine high streets as something else entirely. 

This sparked a fascinating discussion about the evolution of high streets, particularly in a city like London, a "city of villages," as described by one panellist. The consensus was that, although retail has "hijacked the high street," the future is about more than retail. High streets of the future should be layered social ecosystems, offering experiences, supporting diverse local businesses, and reflecting the unique identity of each neighbourhood.

Inclussive and welcoming:

We explored how a multi-layered approach to high street planning can benefit everyone in the community.

The panel discussed how cultural programming, flexible use of public spaces, and thoughtful adaptation for all ages and needs (including animals) could make high streets truly inclusive. The idea of shifting the character of streets, from roads to cultural spaces and event venues, or using pop-ups and temporary installations to engage non-shoppers, resonated strongly.

Private/ Public/ Professional Collaboration: 

When considering the most effective ways to foster meaningful collaboration between local authorities, businesses, residents, and creatives, the panel highlighted the importance of Business Improvement Districts and joint ventures in bringing together diverse stakeholders. On-site satellite offices and youth programmes were cited as examples to help ensure all voices are heard.

Vibrant Communities:

We also discussed how, while gentrification is often an inevitable consequence of development, it can be planned respectfully. For instance, integrating "third places" and mixed-use spaces into high streets can help create vibrant community hubs. Examples included new developments with spaces for community-led projects and multifunctional uses, ensuring high streets remain reflective of local identity and adaptable to changing needs.

Resilience:

Finally, I asked the panel about innovative design approaches or technologies that could ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of high streets, especially in the face of climate change. The conversation turned to the value of data-driven design and the importance of integrating nature into urban spaces. The panel agreed that uniting the high street with the wider public realm is essential for long-term economic and social vitality.

My personal takeaways:

• Social and cultural spaces should be at the heart of communities.

• The survival of the high street is fundamental for vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods, especially as our population ages.

• Every high street needs a vision, that goes beyond retail, and embraces outdoor and temporary uses to help build a draw.

It was a privilege to moderate such a fantastic conversation and to learn from the collective wisdom in the room. Thank you to all the panellists, and to Carlie Hedmann for bringing us together.

#LondonBuildExpo #HighStreet #UrbanDesign #Community #Inclusion #Sustainability #Architecture