Local Cultures – Global Spaces
Abstract
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC,2023) has asked developed nations to decarbonise by 2040, ten years earlier than previously agreed. However, global leaders are challenged to transition to a low carbon present, rapidly, equitably, and holistically. Cities look to local governance and local organisations for lessons on urban transformation for resilient, sustainable communities. Non-academics wonder why researchers are not doing more to implement and operationalise climate solutions. So how can we facilitate urban transformation adapted to climate change? What form and shape of the urban built environment will facilitate resilient, sustainable communities? Answers to both these questions emerge from reflection on 22 years combined professional experience as an urban designer/ architect, and an academic literature review on Resilient Urbanism. Presented are practice lessons from Sustainable Urbanism and open-ended questionnaire survey feedback from Londoners, on what they need from their homes and neighbourhoods, based on their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Considering both practice experience and current literature, a vision for a sustainable urban community is discussed in a specific place-based context, namely Old Kent Road, London. Highlighted are key tenets for infill, intensification, complete neighbourhoods, urban greening, walkable infrastructure, local employment, food production, community owned facilities and phased revitalisation to avoid displacing existing communities.
Jacqueline is a fulltime University of Surrey Postgraduate Research Student. She has 22-years professional work experience in architecture and urban design with demonstrated skills in masterplanning, urban design and inclusive place design. She is an Urban Designer, UK registered, Chartered Architect, RTPI Associate and a former Director of the social enterprise Global Urban Design (CIC). She is a Design Associate with the Living Space Project and the Design Council. She is also an Associate Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and a committee member of Real Estate Women.