Citymakers: Exploring Models of Urban Development: Catalytic, Organic, Curated

What are the primary catalysts driving urban development? To what extent do neighbourhoods emerge organically, of their own accord? Is it possible to curate and control the quality of such places in the long-term through planning and design?

Each of these questions imply distinct yet interrelated approaches to city making. Identified as the catalytic, organic and curated models of urban development, they are exemplified by three London neighbourhoods: London’s Olympic Park, Bankside and King's Cross respectively. These three distinct examples also illustrate that in each case the process of urban change is unique. No two masterplans are the same. Different forces are at play. Different actors. Different conditions.

To understand how new pieces of city emerge (or how existing ones evolve), over three evening events a group of active participants in urban development - developers, planners, architects and their collaborators, as well as academics and journalists - explored these three models of urban development.

This publication is the product of those lively debates and discussions, with contributions from Yolande Barnes, Selina Mason, Robert Evans, Roger Madelin, Ricky Burdett, Oliver Wainwright, Paul Finch, Paul Appleton, Patricia Brown, Jeremy Melvin, Jason Prior, Helen Goodwin, Elizabeth Rapoport, Eleanor Kelly, Deyan Sudjic, Ben Rogers, Artur Carulla, Alfredo Caraballo.

ABOUT CITYMAKERS
Each year, the Citymakers series brings together developers, planners, architects, academics, journalists and collaborators to look beyond the boundaries between practitioners and the public; between a site and the city; between spaces and society. The conference is organised by Allies and Morrison

ABOUT ALLIES AND MORRISON
Allies and Morrison is a practice of architects and urbanists based in London and Cambridge. We strive to design beautiful buildings that have long life and can adapt over the generations. We also shape enduring places whether new pieces of city or settlements at any scale. All our projects are concerned with the crafting of every detail and an appreciation for the uniqueness of each context.