Citymakers 4: What we leave behind: Urban legacies from the past and for the future

Sprawling and inefficient, much of the 20th century urban fabric we have inherited appears unsustainable. While we are used to speaking of preserving Georgian or Victorian heritage, what do we do with awkward 20th century pieces of city? And how will future generations adapt what we are building now?
In the context of the climate emergency arguably the most urgent task facing the contemporary urbanist is not dreaming up new types of city but making the existing ones work.

This publication features material from a lecture series delivered across three venues in London - the Barbican Centre, London College of Communication and The WestWorks - that embody these themes of retrofit, repurpose and building anew. Three panels of architects, planners, academics, developers and other experts - explored how we should deal with this mixed bag of an inheritance, and crucially how all those involved in the making of the city can help shape better legacies for future generations.

This publication is the product of these dialogues, discussions, and perspectives with contributions from Yair Ginor, Verity-Jane Keefe, Smith Mordak, Rasmus Astrup, Paul Eaton, Mel Allwood, Louise Mansfield, Kath Scanlon, Julia Okatz, Jonny Anstead, John Dales, David Knight, Artur Carulla, Alfredo Caraballo, Alex Ely.