The Urbanism Hour: EcoResponsive Environments
With the authors of EcoResponsive Environments: A Framework for Settlement Design
The Urbanism Hours are virtual lunch time events that explore a given theme within the built environment, with two speakers and a Q&A discussion.
November's Urbanism Hour will be a Meet the Author special, where we'll be joined by Soham De and Prachi Rampuria, authors of EcoResponsive Environments. Chaired by Harry Knibb.
Read the book review from the AoU's Here & Now e-journal (page 56) at: theaou.org/resources/here-now-journal-summer-2024
Speakers:
Prachi Rampuria
Prachi is a co-founding director of EcoResponsive Environments, based in Brixton London, with a proven track record for innovation in low carbon masterplanning and regenerative place-making. Recent project experience includes working with private sector clients, public sector organisations, local authorities and community groups on a wide range of strategic visions, development briefs, illustrative masterplans, planning applications, local high street regeneration schemes, design codes and development of public realm strategies in London and other UK cities and towns.
Using a complex-systems approach across all projects, the focus is on balancing short term financial value with the plurality of longer term social and environmental values. She also teaches at Oxford Brookes University and sits on multiple Quality Review Panels, including Design South East, Harlow & Gilston Garden Town DRP, Kingston Placemaking Panel, Taunton & Somerset West DRP and the Barnet DRP. She is a Design Council Expert supporting its 'Design for Planet' mission.
Soham De
Soham is a co-founding director of EcoResponsive Environments, an award-winning architectural and urban design practice based in London with a singular mission: to design spaces that support health and well-being, both today and for future generations. His portfolio includes notable, award-winning masterplans for Letchworth Garden City and the zero-carbon Heath Business Park, the latter recognized for its innovation with accolades like the Golden Pineapple and a National Urban Design Award.
In addition to his design work, Soham has served on the Pineapple Awards jury and co-authored the book EcoResponsive Environments, published by Routledge in 2024. He is also an assistant lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, where he teaches MA and BA urban design courses. His artistic contributions extend beyond architecture to include exhibitions and illustrations for children’s books.
Sue McGlynn
Sue is an urban designer whose career has merged practice, teaching and research in settlement design. Initially trained at The Bartlett School of Architecture, Sue also holds a Diploma and Master’s degree in Urban Design.
Sue is an independent urban design consultant with extensive experience of masterplanning, design guidance and design coding. Sue is well known as a presenter and is co-author of the seminal urban design book Responsive Environments: A manual for designers. Her contribution to urban design has been recognised by the Urban Design Group with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also contributor to the new Building for a Healthy Life, a consultee on drafts of Streets for a Healthy Life, and is co-author of Eco-Responsive Environments: A framework for settlement design, published in 2024.
This event is virtual and will take place via Zoom. You can find the Zoom link in your booking confirmation, and a reminder will also be sent out on the morning of the event.
This session will be chaired by AoU Board Director Harry Knibb.
