First up was Ivan Flechais, Associate Professor of Human-Centred Security and Director of the MSc in Software and Systems Security in the Department of Computer Science at Oxford. Ivan detailed the evolving landscape of the Smart Home, with the threats made against and also originating from them. He also investigated the concept of Digital Trauma and the detrimental effect of data breaches on victims, who feel solely responsible for their own privacy and security. The exploration reinforced the importance of an informal support network that can help bridge the digital divide among the population.
Stephen Passmore, CEO of Resilience Brokers helped us unpick what a smart city really is; how cities have the capability to provide something for everybody, only when they are created by everybody. He discussed data as the enabler, utilising regional collective intelligence to help design the cities we want. And decision making based around value, learning from open data available at a granular level that still respects an individual’s privacy. How we can build the public city through digital inclusiveness and integrated infrastructure modelling.
Katerina Karaga, Associate and Masterplanning Lead at Farrells explored how technology will allow us to reclaim our streets. She illustrated her talk with a proposal to repurpose streets around Euston Road, removing private transport during certain times of the day; how the street can be an adaptable public realm setting, responsive to public demand. Capitalising on our increasing reliance on handheld technology to inform both our routines and decisions within the capital and making better places with provision for autonomous vehicles.
Marco Antonio Maycotte, Co-Founder and Architect at Maycotte + Coulsen rounded off proceedings with his BitPark project. A personal exploration, starting in his home of Mexico City, Marco explored the potential of blue infrastructure as a unifying public space for a city’s inhabitants. He demonstrated a concept for an adaptive modular system that presents a glimpse of the harbour of the future - one which pairs recreation with emerging concepts of sustainable urban aquaculture and water filtration.
Each of the presentations was followed by an interactive Q&A discussion, with all attendees demonstrating a real interest in the disruptor themes and speakers’ interests. The evening was followed by a networking reception.
Generator is a new WW+P initiative which brings younger members of the team together to build lasting relationships with their peers across the built environment sector and share their ideas for a sustainable future.
The next event takes place on Thursday May 21 at 12 Valentine Place, SE1 8QH. We hope to see both familiar and new faces there.
If you are interested in speaking, contributing or assisting with the format of the next event please contact the Generator Group at ww-generator@westonwilliamson.com