11 October 2012

Masterplanning under the spotlight

The effects that economic stagnation, reduced public spending and environmental concerns are having on major planning projects will be examined at the University of Dundee this Friday.

Planning and urban design experts will speak at the symposium `Master Planning Process Under Current Conditions', which is hosted by the Geddes Institute for Urban Research at the University.

"Master-planning has had a strong revival in recent years but there are significant societal changes which are having many effects," said Dr Husam Al Waer, organiser of the event.

"Uncertainty affecting market conditions and the availability of investment, as well as policy change, will all influence how master-planning of major projects can respond to the challenges posed by the need for sustainable development.

"At this event we have some of the leading experts in the field and an audience of practitioners who can all help to define how we can achieve the changes required to create a culture of practice which can still realise high quality living environments in a challenging environment."

Speakers and subjects at the event include:

• How can a sustainable master plan create value for local people? - Professor Brian M Evans, Partner, Gillespies
• Masterplanning as medium-term placemaking - Kevin Murray, a highly experienced town planner and urbanist, with over 30 years experience in the fields of planning, regeneration, urban design and economic development.
• Ninety-four per cent of masterplans fail. What can we learn from that, and how can we make the most of what is still one of the most powerful concepts in urban design? - Rob Cowan, director of Urban Design Skills (UDS), one of the UK's most experienced urban design trainers and authors of design guidance.

The symposium takes place on Friday October 12th in the Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee. Places are available for interested planning professionals - contact Jennifer Forbes, email: j.y.forbes@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902