National Urban Design Conference 2026
About this Event
Book your early bird tickets now (offer ends 7 Aug)
Please use the relevant link below to claim your discount:
UDG Members (40% discount)
UDG Registered Practice (40% discount)
Non-Members (10% discount) Top tip: Join as a member on the UDG website and get 40% off whilst also receiving membership benefits, including the Journal!
Local Authority/Public Sector/Students/Not-for-profits (Discounts will be released with sponsorship. Email [email protected] to apply)
The National Urban Design Conference 2026: Glasgow
The Urban Design Group is excited to announce that we will be holding the National Urban Design Conference for 2026 in Glasgow.
This year, we will explore the theme ‘Places for LIFE’, drawing inspiration from Glasgow and beyond. Expect an outstanding programme featuring insightful talks and current thinking from leading speakers, inspiring walking workshops, engaging discussions, and plenty of opportunities for meaningful conversations, connection and networking.
Together, throughout the conference, participants will have the opportunity to identify ways to improve existing government policy, guidance and practice, helping to shape a shared agenda that as a community can be taken forward to influence debate, inspire action and deliver meaningful progress across the built environment industry and beyond.
Programme Preview
Our programme continues to grow. Explore the themes that will shape the conversations at this year's conference.
Day 1 (Thursday)
Session 1: Glasgow's Story: Programmes, Performance and Place
Our opening session will introduce delegates to this year’s conference destination. Exploring Glasgow's recent urban journey through policy, projects, culture and city-making.
Session 2: Exploring Glasgow (Walking Workshops)
After learning about Glasgow's story, delegates will head out into the city centre to experience it firsthand. A choice of guided walking workshops will explore the places, people and projects shaping Glasgow, introducing and bringing key conference themes to life through real-world examples.
- Place, Identity and Regeneration: Candleriggs and the Merchant City
- Building Neighbourhoods: The Laurieston Transformation
- “Her City" Walk
- Civic Placemaking: George Square
More walks to be confirmed!
Session 3: Places You Can Fall in Love With
What makes a place memorable and meaningful? This session explores how heritage shapes identity, fosters belonging and strengthens communities. Speakers will examine our psychological attachment to place and demonstrate how conserving and adapting historic buildings can create distinctive places that people value for generations.
Session 4: Places Where You Can Just Be (Workshops)
How do we create places where everyone feels safe, welcome and able to thrive? Through a choice of interactive workshops, delegates will explore practical approaches to embedding inclusion into planning, urban design and policy.
- Women and Girls
- Neuroscience in Urban Design
- Designing for Children
Reception and Dinner - 1599 at the Royal College
Guests will be welcomed with drinks and the opportunity to explore highlights from the College's historic collection. This will be followed by dinner in the magnificent College Hall, where soaring ceilings, intricate period details, and the company of fellow built environment professionals provide a setting for connection and a memorable evening.
Day 2 (Friday)
Session 1: Places Where You Can Thrive
Explore the ingredients of thriving neighbourhoods, from getting density right to fostering strong communities and supporting innovation and enterprise. Speakers will examine how thoughtful urban design can create productive, connected and resilient places.
Session 2: Places to Live and Breathe - Nature at the Heart of Urban Design (Workshops)
Choose from a series of interactive workshops exploring how nature can shape more successful places. The workshops offer insight and discussion into designing places that are environmentally sustainable, climate resilient, and safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Session 3: Places for Life: Vision to Reality
How do bold ideas become lasting change? This session explores how new thinking, effective leadership and strategic investment can turn ambitious visions into real places. Speakers will examine how policy, design and collaboration can work together to look beyond the status quo and deliver change.
More sessions to be announced!
Confirmed speakers
Many more leading, inspiring and not-to-be-missed speakers to be announced soon:
Dr Laura Alvarez, Nottingham City Council
Professor Husam Al Waer, University of Dundee
Ciaran Buchanan, Glasgow City Council
Kit Bullas, John McAslan + Partners
Bea Chivers, Ryder Architecture
Brian Evans, formerly of Gillespie
Lucy Fineberg, UMC Architects
Anna Gaffney, A Place in Childhood
Dr Lucrezia Gigante, University of Glasgow
Professor Kate Jeffrey, University of Glasgow
Chris Martin, Urban Movement
Daniela Miler, A Place in Childhood & AtkinsRéalis
Marina Milosev, Beyond the Red Line
Niall Murphy, Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Daisy Narayanan, The Crown Estate
Hannah Smart, edge Urban Design
Paul Stallan, Stallan Brand
Rob Thompson, Rob Thompson Urbanism
Nick Walker, Iceni Projects
Momentum is growing and it's an exciting time for urban design. Join the urban design community in Glasgow to exchange ideas, solve problems collaboratively, and turn ideas into action!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 100.00 to GBP 400.00
