Welcome to the fourth issue of London ideas. Through essays and interviews, we'll be exploring what an optimistic future for the capital looks like.
London has had an extraordinary year, but as we emerge from the pandemic there are reasons to be hopeful. Our city is changing fast, and we want to be part of an ongoing discussion and debate. What might an optimistic future for London look like?
This issue of London ideas looks a little bit different. We will be publishing three waves of new thinking every couple of months right here.
This month we’ve published our third and final wave of ideas, which focus on the capital’s places. We’ve got an interview on future-proofing our buildings and city centres, alongside pieces on how to successfully supply London with renewable energy and ensure the city continues to innovate with smart technology going forward.
- London’s future as a smart city, by Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer for London
- An interview with Rebecca Eng, Heritage and Conservation Lead for the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, by Claire Harding, Research Director, Centre for London
- Electrifying London, by Syed Ahmed, Director, Energy for London
Smart and sustainable city
How can modern design enhance heritage buildings while also building green? What smart infrastructure might London need to improve the city centre? And where should we be getting our energy from to support this?
London’s future as a smart city
London's Chief Digital Officer Theo Blackwell outlines what City Hall are planning to improve outcomes for Londoners and keep them better connected.
Margaret Polinder
Electrifying London
Energy for London Director Syed Ahmed explains how the switch to renewable energy in London can succeed and respond to the price shocks dominating the news.
An Interview with Rebecca Eng
Our Research Director Claire Harding sat down with Rebecca Eng to discuss how we can embrace and adapt London’s heritage buildings to meet environmental goals.
Destination centre
What do we want our city centre to look and be like in the future? How will we move around? Where will we want to live, work and spend our time?
Dun.can
Placemaking: Lessons for London from around the globe
The pandemic has led many of us to reflect on the places that we spend our time in. What can London learn from cities around the world to make our public spaces better?
An Interview with Indy Johar
Our Research Director Claire Harding sat down with Indy Johar to discuss what the future holds for the capital.
Steve Cysewski
Reimagining London’s transport system
What would an optimistic future for London's transport system look like? Our contributors explore.
Ingredients for success
Perhaps the greatest reason to be optimistic about change to our city is that we have ‘bounced back’ and changed so many times before. What are the ingredients for London’s continued success?
Tania Mousinho
What’s next for our city: Big new ideas for the future...
What would an optimistic future for London look like over the next five to 10 years?
Frans Ruiter
The relationship engine: Why central London should recover
The historic ingredients of London's success suggest some areas for optimism.
Matthew Waring
How will London sustain its role as a global, cultural capital?
London’s cultural scene has been decimated by coronavirus. What have we learnt and how will it recover?
Garry Knight
Beyond the neighbourhood: London’s complex geography
London is not the sum of its neighbourhoods argues Darryl Chen in this piece for our latest London ideas issue.
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