Commissioners from the National Infrastructure Commission today (Wednesday 7 September 2016) visit ?the Urban Design Team at Publica to discuss how cities can use infrastructure efectively to become more liveable, sustainable, productive and resilient places, focusing on four principles for integrating infrastructure within high-quality urban design.
These principles are:
- Increasing capacity for future generations
- Creating liveable neighbourhoods (and cities)
- Supporting and promoting density and diversity
- Animating the ground plane and creating a sense of civic identity
Ahead of the visit, National Infrastructure Commissioner and leading architect, Professor Sadie Morgan said:
We have to stop thinking about good design as a luxury – it’s essential and doesn’t need to cost more. In fact, good design can often save money in the long term.
The urban environment in which we live shapes our everyday lives. Good design can make an enormous difference to everything from helping to cut crime and congestion to improving an area’s sense of community and even our general quality of life.
As the National Infrastructure Commission seeks to transform the way we plan and deliver major infrastructure projects in this country, harnessing high quality design will be absolutely crucial. That’s why today’s event is so important.
Further information:
Professor Sadie Morgan BA (HONS), MA (RCA), FRSA is National Infrastructure Commissioner and a co-founding director at the award-winning practice, dRMM Architects. She became the youngest and only third ever-female President of the Architectural Association in 2013. In March 2015, Sadie was appointed as Design Chair for High Speed Two (HS2) reporting directly to the Secretary of State.
Publica is a design agency which specialises in strategies and design for public space, urban design and masterplanning. It works with major landowners, developers, local authorities, architects, and community organisations.