We are faced with unprecedented challenges as a result of climate change including flooding, biodiversity loss, threats to health and well-being, and lack of access to open space. Creative use of green and blue infrastructure is one of the most promising actions for adaptation to rapidly changing human and environmental circumstances. This needs to be better recognised in the planning process at a strategic level.

In this talk, Alexandra will present her Green and Blue Infrastructure Study for the South Essex Local Authorities. The study recently won two Landscape Institute Awards for Excellence in Tackling Climate Change, and Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment. The judges said:

“It really demonstrated the inter-relationship and complexity of natural world systems. It was exceptionally good at coming up with holistic solutions. It presents new practices for planning and development, to reshape the way we understand and change our environment... an exemplary model for future landscape planning and assessment.”

This presentation looks at how the study espouses a cross-boundary approach to address these significant challenges and provides a vision to create a single and vast park system across South Essex. It outlines high level objectives, strategic opportunities and key moves developed within the GBI Study, presenting a new model for integrated planning and development.

About Alexandra Steed

Alexandra founded URBAN in 2013 with a vision to bring joy to people’s everyday experience. She is passionate about art, landscape and sustainability, and has spent her career transforming external spaces that elevate our experience of the natural world.

She is a chartered landscape architect in the UK, but began her career in Canada. Her projects can be found around the globe, and are of all scales, from regional strategies to roof gardens. At every level, she is committed to creating truly landscape-led designs, re-imagining urban environments that are beautiful, integrated and in harmony with nature, as well as fighting climate change and ecological collapse.

Before starting her own practice, posts held include Principal of Design, AECOM, and Director of Martha Schwartz Partners. Alexandra is a Built Environment Expert for Design Council UK, sits on the Highways England Design Panel, and lectures at The Bartlett, UCL.

www.alexandrasteedurban.com