YU The importance of youth and past identity in shaping a future urbanism.

This lunchtime session for young urbanists shines a spotlight on Birmingham and the wider Midlands region with two keynote speakers discussing the importance of young adults and local heritage heroes in shaping a sustainable future. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session that will give young urbanists the opportunity to ask thought provoking questions around urbanism involving youth and local identity. It will be chaired by Kevin Roeton, AoU events lead for the Midlands and Principal Planning Consultant for WSP.

Young adult's perceptions of lockdown - housing, urban realm, and the future city of Birmingham

Simeon Shtebunaev, Doctoral Researcher in Urban Planning at Birmingham City University

Simeon received funding from the YU Small Grant Scheme for his project on Brum’s Youth City. This talk looks at young adults between 18 and 29-years-old in Birmingham and seeks to present their views about ongoing residential developments in the city in light of COVID-19 pandemic. Birmingham is titled the youngest city in Europe, and with the upcoming Commonwealth games putting a focus on legacy and youth, the perceptions of young adults need to be considered. The project is addressing a broader theme – young adults' participation and inclusion in the design and planning of cities. Throughout May 2020 - 52 young people responded to the call of which 49 were within the age group and lived in Birmingham. Three main topics will be examined, the housing condition in Birmingham, the attitudes of young adults towards the urban realm in the city and the future of Birmingham.

Simeon is a doctoral researcher in Birmingham City University, researching how young citizens engage in the planning of future 'smart' cities. Currently, Simeon is part of the Youth Steering Committee of the youth organisation Beatfreeks in Birmingham, as well as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s cultural leadership board. He is a Young Urbanist and co-founded the RIBA Future Architects initiative.

Town Planning with Tolkien and Pugin

Nick Corbett, Associate Director for WSP

Nick Corbett is an author and chartered town planner specialising in heritage and placemaking. He is an expert member of the High Streets Task Force, founder of Transforming Cities, co-founder of Urban Design London and is an Associate Director with WSP in the UK, based in the Birmingham Mailbox.

This talk will consider how two heritage heroes changed the world through the built environment, industry and artistry of Birmingham and the Midlands.

Nick is an author and chartered town planner specialising in heritage and placemaking. He is the founder of Transforming Cities Ltd, co-founder of Urban Design London and is an Associate Director with WSP in the UK, based in the Birmingham Mailbox.

Where: Zoom - the link will be sent to those registered.

If you have any queries before then, please contact Olga Gaitani on og@academyofurbanism.org.uk.