Centre for London is hosting a one-and-a-half-day seminar on behalf of the Transatlantic Innovation District Partnership – a research partnership between Centre for London and The Brookings Institution.
The seminar will bring together economists, planners, urban designers, architects and developers to explore the relationship between placemaking and innovation, urban design and economic development.
This event builds on previous research carried out by Centre for London and the Bass Initiative – a collaboration between The Brookings Institution and Project for Public Spaces. During it we will discuss existing research, share best practice and hear from leading experts from a range of organisations
The rise of the ‘mix’
As urbanisation accelerates and cities seek to capitalise on the growth of the knowledge economy, the value of public space and social infrastructure to urban economies should come into sharper focus. The era of centrally-planned single-use business districts is being replaced by a focus on mix – mixed use, mixed public-private provision and management, and a mixed offer that attracts innovative firms and workers to urban centres.
The aim of this seminar is to evaluate what do we know about how these public spaces affect innovation and knowledge-spillovers and how the dominance of the knowledge economy impacts the design, use, and management of public space.
We will combine academic research, lessons from policymakers, and the experiences of planners architects, developers, and businesses to tackle the following questions:
-
Is existing thinking about knowledge spillovers, clusters, and placemaking useful in understanding the relationship between the public ream, innovation and economic development?
-
How can innovation districts avoid the homogenisation of public spaces? How can an emphasis on shaping like-minded communities of high-skilled individuals co-exist with urban values of cultural and social diversity?
-
How are existing institutions like universities and cultural institutions adapting to the innovation economy, and impact is the innovation economy having on the design and management of institutions and the spaces between them?
-
What are the best governance frameworks for creating cohesive and inclusive visions for innovation districts? Does more need to be done to engage existing as well as new residents, businesses, and communities?
The Innovation and Public Realm seminar is an invite-only event.
As places are limited, we will notify you via email whether we are able to accommodate your request. If you are interested in presenting or speaking at the seminar, please email Daniel.stevens@centreforlondon.org
Register your interest in attending
Read a summary of the main themes, case studies and issues discussed over the two days.