A panel of experts discussed designing sustainable and socially responsible cities around the world in this live talk produced by Dezeen for engineering firm Buro Happold.
Moderated by Dezeen's editor Tom Ravenscroft, the talk featured Buro Happold's Heidi Creighton, Bartlett professor Priti Parikh, and Anna Marazuela Kim from The Centre for Conscious Design.
The speakers explored social value in the built environment and the role of policy and context in the design process, with a specific focus on some of the challenges unique to the UK, USA and Asia.
The conversation, which was called The Case for Equitable Space, also covered the impact of climate change on marginalised communities, sanitation infrastructure in rural and urban communities in south Asia, and the role of culture and the arts in spatial equity.
Creighton is an architect, AIA fellow and associate principal at Buro Happold. For the past 15 years, her work has focused on creating a restorative built environment that aims to deliver socially, economically and environmentally sustainable developments.
Alongside her work at Buro Happold, Creighton also serves on the AIA California Committee of the Environment, which works to combat advancing climate change and natural resource depletion.
Parikh is an associate professor at the Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management in London, where she heads the university's Engineering for International Development Centre.
Her work focuses on improving water, sanitation and energy infrastructure in slums and remote villages in south Asia, Africa and Latin America.
In addition to teaching at the Bartlett, Parikh is a fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a board member of Engineers Against Poverty.
She is also a trustee of Buro Happold's charity, The Happold Foundation, which works with young people, educators and researchers to shape a community dedicated to improving the built environment.
In 2019, Parikh was recognised as a leading change-maker by Engineers Without Borders.
Kim is a cultural thinker, advisor and activist with a background in philosophy, history of art and architecture.
Her work explores urban theory and practice across academic institutions, research groups and cultural organisations.
Kim currently holds the position of director of cultural innovation and strategic partnerships at The Centre for Conscious Design, an international grassroots think tank that aims to use design to alleviate complex social and urban issues.
She is also a member of London Metropolitan University's interdisciplinary research initiative, The Centre for Creative Arts, Cultures and Engagement.
Alongside her research and practice, Kim is a consultant for Futurecity and has previously worked at architecture studio Foster + Partners in London.
This live stream was produced by Dezeen for Buro Happold as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen's partnership content here.