About the talk
Join West Kent branch for a session on Amsterdam housing projects and greening the city.
Darren Bland, Principal Architects, will explore what can be learnt from the Dutch approach to housing and environmental improvements, in particular personalising housing, creating communal spaces and turning a city green.
This talk will look at the tradition of social housing innovation in Amsterdam; urban self builds, floating houses, and the reclaiming of the streets for the residents; how the Dutch have a ‘people and places before cars’ approach to urban design and improvements; and the local authorities initiatives to encourage bio diversity improvements, ownership of the environment, and the greening of the city.
About the speaker
Darren Bland has worked on social housing and urban greening projects for over 30 years, starting his career in the 90s he worked on the master planning for Mile End Park, estate renewal in Bow and social housing projects through out the east end of London.
He set up his own practice in 2004 and has designed and build urban housing schemes through out London for both private and social developers. In 2023 he set up his new practice, Principal Architects with a mission to enhance the environments of clients, their homes, neighbourhoods, and their connection with nature and the planet.
Logistics
Arrivals at 7pm for the talk at 7:30pm.
All welcome. Please contact us if you have any accessibility questions.
We look forward to seeing you there.
What does RIBA West Kent do?
RIBA Kent aims to act as a local hub for architects, providing a platform for professional development, networking, and advocacy, while also contributing to the promotion of architectural excellence and community engagement.
The activities and functions of a RIBA branch can include:
- networking and community building: Organising events, lectures, and social gatherings to facilitate networking among local architects and professionals in the built environment.
- supporting students and emerging professionals: Traditionally, Branches collaborate with their local schools of architecture, facilitating connections between students, young architects, and established professionals.
- knowledge sharing: Creating platforms for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge within the local architectural community.
- promoting local architecture: Educating the public about the value of good design and architecture in the community.
- advocacy and representation: Representing the interests of local architects and the architectural profession to local authorities, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
