Design for Business and Innovation - Greenwich Peninsular & Design District

How to create a new economic and creative hub on former industrial land - including using bold and distinctive design and architecture to attract investors and innovative businesses.
Experience the pedestrian-focused, car-free streets and expansive public squares designed to create a new type of community in the Design District.

This South London UD Walk + Talk, in partnership with Ravensbourne University, will explore the creation of innovation districts within post-industrial regeneration areas, focusing on the Greenwich Peninsula and the Design District in particular.

The event will begin with a short walk through the Peninsula, followed by a discussion and networking at Ravensbourne. Using the Design District as a case study, the conversation will look at how a creative cluster is established in practice, and the role of urban design and development in that process and its success.

It is difficult, if not rare, to create ‘from scratch’ new economic clusters that generate employment and growth in innovative and creative industries alongside higher education institutions, particularly through private capital investment. Drawing comparisons with other post-industrial areas that have relied on iconic architectural interventions to drive growth and new industries, the discussion will explore the steps that led to the Design District, the initial vision, and how its distinctive architectural approach was used as a strategy to attract start-ups and established design firms. It will also reflect on how the design of spaces for social interaction, such as car free streets and generous public spaces, supports inter-firm connections, knowledge spillovers, specialised labour pools, leading to cluster-type externalities.

5:30pm - Meet at North Greenwich Station for a walking tour.

6:15pm - Talk at Ravensbourne University space.

Speakers:
Alberto Villanueva, Head of School of Architecture (Welcome and Introduction)
Susie Newman, Mole Architects
Alberto Villanueva and Darren Stacey, Ravensbourne University
Ana McMillin, Urban Design Group

7pm - 8pm - Further discussion, making connections and networking