Grow Places

What happens when once closed areas of a neighbourhood open up to be enjoyed by all?

Join us as we walk around our Truman Brewery site with Giles and Rosie from Spacehub to explore their sensitive work on the Landscape and Public Realm design for our Truman Brewery redevelopment in East London. In this episode, we unravel their strategies for creating interconnected, functional outdoor spaces that not only complement architectural designs but also provide inviting public areas for relaxation and interaction. Learn how they envision a more permeable environment that enhances the overall experience for both residents and visitors.

We dig deep into the complexities of balancing functionality, sustainability, and community engagement in urban design. From standout trees to rain gardens and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), find out how these landscape architects integrate greenery and water management into their designs to enhance biodiversity and improve peoples connection to nature in this urban location. We'll also touch on the importance of preserving the unique character of neighborhoods like the Brick Lane, steering clear of a corporate feel, and crafting public realms that are playable without the need for formal playgrounds.

We shed light on integrating new facades and activating spaces while blending new developments with the existing urban fabric. Hear about the ambitious project to reuse heritage materials and the commitment to sustainability, aiming to create a cohesive, evolving community that honours its historical roots while meeting modern needs. Don't miss this insightful conversation on shaping vibrant, dynamic urban spaces that foster community and stand the test of time.

Ever wondered how historic buildings can maintain their charm while adapting to modern needs? 

Join us as we chat with architects Chris Dyson and Mathew Witts of Chris Dyson Architects about the remarkable transformation of the Truman Brewery's Listed old Boiler House "Block O". Originally a stable block from 1800's, this space has been reimagined to serve as a flexible, functional exhibition venue that continues to be a vibrant part of Brick Lane in East London. We dive into the building's unique accessibility features and the ever-changing street art that helps make the area alive and dynamic.

Discover the pivotal role of a modest extension building in a our comprehensive masterplan project, designed to breathe new life into under used parts of the Truman Brewery Estate. As we explore the area, we examine the diverse architectural styles contributing to the neighbourhood's charm, showcasing how robust yet elegant materials honour the industrial heritage while being as progressive as the people here.

Listen in as we explore the art of preserving local character through bespoke design with an architect who has called this area home for over 30 years. Chris's profound connection to the neighbourhood is evident in each of their many local project, utilising materials and local knowledge to address practical challenges and enhance community ties. We also discuss the economic benefits of cultural buildings as destinations and the meticulous preservation and creative reuse of materials in redeveloping this site. 

What if we could help grow a neighbourhood while preserving its cultural roots? 

Join us on a journey through East London's Truman Brewery with our guest Anna Mansfield from Publica. Anna shares her team's extensive research and the invaluable data they've gathered on the wider areas of Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown to inform our current project. You'll gain insights into how this information shapes urban design, ensuring spaces remain relevant and beneficial to the local community, and hear about the critical role research plays in making informed decisions for authentic projects.

Explore the contrasting worlds of daytime and nighttime economies in Tower Hamlets and the unique challenges each presents. We discuss the critical need for safety measures for women working night shifts and highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Bangladeshi community to this place particularly. Discover how thoughtful urban development of the Truman Brewery aims to foster a more interconnected and vibrant community, leveraging data-driven insights to support the needs of a young, multicultural population.

Understand the complexities of maintaining the Truman Brewery's organic roots while planning for future growth. Anna explains the importance of balancing commercial, residential, and community spaces through both qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the importance of creating spaces that naturally encourage community interactions. 

This episode promises a deep dive into the long-term vision for creating a vibrant, inclusive addition to the neighbourhood that bridges the gap between creative industries and local people and business.

Welcome to the Grow Places podcast, your go-to source for understanding the dynamic interplay of people, growth, and place. 

In this special episode, we take you to the heart of East London, broadcasting from the iconic Truman Brewery. Here, we're collaborating with the Truman Brewery and local stakeholders from Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown to bring forward planning applications for underutilised parts of the site.

Tune in to hear how this redevelopment promises to open up previously enclosed areas, create new opportunities for local businesses, and enhance the daily lives of residents and visitors alike.

Joining us are guests Holly Wells, Associate Director, and Amr Assaad, Director at Buckley Gray Yeoman, as they discuss their roles as Masterplanner and building designer in the Truman Brewery redevelopment. Discover the masterplan behind this project, aiming to deliver a modern yet heritage led project, while fostering sustainable growth. Learn about the new public spaces, residential areas, and creative hubs designed to make this site a vibrant, inclusive community for all.

For more information on the Truman Brewery project visit trumanbreweryconsultation.co.uk.

For more insights and updates, visit growplaces.com and follow us @WeGrowPlaces on social media. 

Join us as we explore how thoughtful urban planning can create places where people and communities thrive.

Have you ever walked through a place that felt like it was part of your soul - that you belonged? 

Join us on the Grow Places podcast with Joy Nazzari, Founder of DNCO, who weaves her global experiences and cultural insights into the art of storytelling, brand and Place Purpose, that resonate with our deepest human needs. 

Our conversation takes you on a journey through the essence of storytelling in the built environment, revealing how narrative can be the cornerstone of commercially vibrant and socially cohesive communities. Together, we peel back the layers of what makes places like King's Cross more than just a location – they become a part of who we are.

The places in our cities hold stories and the potential for profound connections, if only we know how to listen. This episode spotlights the transformative power of brand identity within real estate, evolving beyond mere logos to embody experiences that resonate with us on a deeper level. Our discussion navigates the dynamic landscape of urban development, where the delicate dance between brand and identity plays a pivotal role in our everyday life. We'll even take a detour through the charming streets of San Francisco, exploring how DNCO helped to reignite the city's innate vibrancy through its brand.

As we go deeper, the conversation turns to the property development industry's evolution. We pinpoint the critical role of trust and transparency in reshaping public perception. We ponder over strategies for developers to reinvent themselves as trusted stakeholders of the community. 

Be sure to catch this one! 

It was a pleasure to host Arup's Sustainability Director, Mel Allwood, as we explore examples from London and around the world, and how our daily habitats can move us forward, step by step.

Our conversation uncovers the delicate dance between wellbeing and design, emphasising the transformative power of spaces that are as nurturing as they are sustainable. We learn from past global health crises, like the SARS outbreak, to fortify our approach to building certifications, ensuring that the spaces we inhabit are not only safe but also contribute positively to our collective wellbeing.

Hear about the role of impactful decision-making in reducing embodied carbon, as we dissect the influence of early design choices and the supply chain's responsiveness to sustainable demands. The conversation unfolds to illustrate how transparency in material sourcing can echo the strides taken elsewhere, providing a blueprint for conscious construction practices. We also highlight the necessity of designing for flexibility, adapting our built spaces to the ever-evolving ways we live and work, thereby maximising their utility and sustainability.

Join us on a personal journey back to Mel's childhood, where the seeds of innovation were planted by a simple fascination with the mechanics of everyday objects. Reflecting on the courage it takes to venture into the unknown, we encourage project teams to step away from the familiar and embrace change as we collectively strive towards a more innovative and sustainable future. As we rewind through Mel's formative experiences that shaped a life-long curiosity in engineering, we celebrate the incremental victories that compound to monumental progress, declaring that it's these small, courageous steps that will eventually lead us to a greener horizon.

Have you ever walked through a city and felt a wave of inspiration simply by experiencing the place? That's the magic Julian Lewis of East, describes in constructing spaces that don't just stand but speak to the soul of urban environments. This episode is a journey into the heart of vibrant public spaces, where Julian intricately weaves the tales of buildings and landscapes that transform mundane activities into memorable experiences. Imagine a world where a plain wall isn't just a boundary but a canvas for childhood play; Julian reveals how such thoughtful judgments in design can deeply enrich our neighbourhoods.

As we traverse the philosophies underpinning East's approach, you'll be enveloped in a narrative of personal growth and intellectual discovery. He invites us into his world, where the lines between personal identity, social interaction, and learning environments blur into a single, purposeful pursuit of creating spaces that foster public interaction and collective memory. Further, we unravel the art of collaborative design, discussing how professionals from myriad backgrounds converge to shape projects that resonate with a community's heart. Prepare to be inspired as we uncover how place is not only a reflection of culture and education but a powerful catalyst for both.

Embark on a journey through the intertwined paths of public service and urban development with Nick Walkley, our guest whose storied career of leading London Boroughs, Homes England and now at Avison Young provides unique and humble insights. It's not every day you get to pick the brain of someone who has been instrumental in the growth of places and the forging of alliances across the public and private sectors. As you tune in, you'll find yourself captivated by tales that reveal the symbiotic relationship between communities and the spaces they inhabit, and how a values-driven approach can make a world of difference in tackling economic challenges and austerity.

The heartbeat of any place lies in its leadership and the collective resolve to grow and innovate. Nick opens up, from being a university student seeking horizons beyond Huddersfield, to becoming a witness and participant in the vibrant upswing of cities like Liverpool and Manchester. The potential for urban renewal is not lost on smaller cities either, as we discuss Norwich's prospects for unlocking growth. As our conversation unfolds, you'll gain a renewed appreciation for the influential role of mentorship and the deep-rooted impact that a well-envisioned cityscape can have on its citizens.

Wrapping up with a topic close to many hearts, we tackle the UK's housing crisis and the complex factors that underpin our housing market. Explore with us the innovative solutions and entrepreneurial spirits that could reshape UK home building, inspired by Nick's eye-opening experiences with Japanese housing factories. This episode is an invitation to explore how leadership, community engagement, and innovative thinking are not just reshaping skylines, but nurturing the very soul of urban life.

Prepare to have your perspective on sustainable architecture transformed as we alongside David Saxby of Architecture 00, unravel the complexities of creating cities that not only stand the test of time but do so responsibly. As we navigate the intricate dance of fostering growth while respecting our planet, you'll gain valuable insights into the delicate balance required to shape our urban landscapes. The weight of our environmental footprint challenges us to rethink our approach to construction. Are we ready to commit to the long haul, to invest in our built environment with the patience it demands? Join us on the Grow Places podcast to explore the potent blend of idealism and pragmatism driving the mission of 00.

Step into the world of a studio where collaboration and opportunity blossom from the rich soil of cultural diversity and artistic prowess. Our conversation with David Saxby peels back the curtain on how 00 threads the needle between their foundational ethos and the hard deadlines of client expectations. The quest for sustainable investment in our cities is more than a dream—it's a call to action, pressing us to consider the virtues of 'patient capital'. As we dissect the legacy of historical urban development and the potential of digital innovation, you'll be introduced to a vision of architecture that is not only adaptable and enduring but also kind to our Earth. Tune in for an episode that promises to fuel your passion for the built environment and inspire a new appreciation for the challenges we face collectively.

Welcome to an enlightening conversation with Natascha McIntyre-Hall of Gleeds, who has a unique take on the intersection of holistic design, social media, and innovation. Tash's insight into creating inclusive spaces and revitalising town and city centres through digital intervention is well worth a listen. She brings the vibrant discussions from her popular "walk and talk" social media videos to our conversation, making it a lively dialogue you don't want to miss. 

Our episode covers a wide spectrum, from the crux of innovation and procurement to the potential of NFTs, VR, AI, and gamification in revolutionising places. We discuss the power of a well-articulated brief and its role in nurturing innovation, shedding light on the fascinating blend of ambition and practicality in shaping our future. Get ready to delve into the potential of inclusive design, collaboration, and the synergies of public and private partnerships in urban development.

One of the many highlights of our conversation is the exploration of inclusive design for cities and communities. We broach the challenge of developing spaces that are accessible, relevant, and meaningful for all people, discussing the importance of public and private sector partnerships. Tash eloquently shares the challenges and opportunities presented by such collaborations, and how procurement can bridge gaps between sectors. We end the conversation on a high note, with Tash sharing her insights into the power of ambition and practicality in creating a brighter future for us all. Tune in to be part of this forward-thinking conversation.