Inside/Out Lecture Series: Unruly Urban Futures

Publica is a London-based urban design and public realm practice that brings research and intelligence to the process of urban change. Publica surveys neighbourhoods and undertakes rigorous research to create  strategies and designs for innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth, policy and planning.

Publica operates at the heart of the debate about urbanism and cities. Our research and intelligence is part of an international conversation about how to make cities more integrated, vibrant and safe, and how to preserve the vitality of urban neighbourhoods in the midst of rapid growth and development. London’s diversity, complexity and openness to change has made it the ideal laboratory to test and develop this emerging field of practice.

The practice was founded in 2010, at a pivotal moment in society’s thinking about the value of public space in cities. We specialise in  studying, drawing, mapping, photographing, observing and documenting the city’s character, uses, challenges and opportunities. Our research-led visions and strategies have been adopted as urban policy and unlocked major public realm projects, giving us the opportunity to  restore and creatively reimagine some of London’s most significant streets and civic spaces.

Anna Mansfield, Publica’s Director, oversees the strategic direction of our work and research. She has over 15 years of experience in urban design and architectural practice, both in the UK and internationally, and has held a senior leadership position within the company since its foundation.

In this lecture, Anna will speak about the changing role of designers in an urbanising future. Looking at key projects from 12 years in practice and Publica’s current research themes, Anna will share her expertise on key fundamental issues of urban growth – including how to create child friendly cities; the future of urban retail; strategies for night time and the evening economy; and how to create safer cities for women and girls. This lecture will set out key ideas and approaches to urban development that identifies and seeks to address the gaps in urban planning and design that need to be filled in order to meet current and future challenges faced by cities at a time of social and environmental crisis.

This lecture will set out key ideas and approaches to urban development that identifies and seeks to address the gaps in urban planning and design that need to be filled in order to meet current and future challenges faced by cities at a time of social and environmental crisis.

This lecture series is initiated and organised by Francesca Morris, Teresia Guest, Zhanwang Zhang, Chaerim Shin, Mauricio Salgado Arenas and Stephanie Cheung.