The Founder's Lecture: Jonathan Smales
Held in memory of AoU Founder John Thompson, at Cambridge University
Date: Tuesday 11 February 2025
Time: 16:30 - 19:30
Location: Department of Architecture, Scroope Terrace, Cambridge CB2 1P
Join the Academy of Urbanism for the second Founder's Lecture, held in memory of the AoU’s late Founder and Honorary President, John Thompson. The lecture will take place in the University of Cambridge’s Architecture Department (pictured), John’s alma mater, in the city that hosted Congress 2023: Designing for the Future.
We're delighted to have Jonathan Smales deliver this year's lecture. Jonathan offers many decades of experience and leadership in sustainable development, dating back to his time as the MD of Greenpeace UK, and most recently as Founder / CEO of Human Nature, leading on the radical Phoenix development in Lewes.
This lecture will be followed by a Q&A and drinks reception to enable further exploration of the theme and an opportunity to connect with your fellow urbanists.
Jonathan Smales
Jonathan Smales is founder and CEO of Human Nature, a campaigning development company. He was formerly MD of Greenpeace UK, a sustainability adviser to the government, and developed some of the UK’s first major sustainability projects, such as the Earth Centre and Greenpeace HQ. Hands-on with all aspects of the project from masterplanning to policy, engagement and structuring, Jonathan transfers his experience leading and advising on some of the UK’s largest development and regeneration projects to his leadership of Human Nature; he is a champion of deep collaboration and its role in shaping the social imagination – Human Nature's purpose.
16:30 Registration + welcome
17:00 Founder's Lecture delivered by Jonathan Smales
17:30 Q&A
18:00 Drinks reception
19:30 End of event
Places are limited so advanced booking is required.
