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work ever harder to allow both for continuity and changing multiple uses over time. Universities, medical centres and research institutions are adjusting and adapting to new technologies, changing trends in working and methods of learning, and, most importantly, the increasing need for colocation of functions and people. The key priorities for future-proofing
the education and health estate will be: - Greater flexibility and integration across services, facilities and policy To create the truly “long life, loose fit” city that will meet the changing demands of the health and education sectors, the report says we will need different building typologies and approaches to planning. - Wider range of labs for start-ups and more space in which to scale up The co-working model has already been adopted in London and the South East to meet demand among start-ups in tech and the commercial sector for offices with integrated business support and flexible leasing terms. Incubators and accelerators often linked to universities and institutes also provide valuable space for development of spin-off enterprises emerging from research. There is still, however, says the report, a significant lack not only of start- up but especially of grow-on space for companies that want to scale up but that need laboratory facilities alongside offices. A more nuanced understanding is required of market demand, especially in relation to relative price points, the report suggests. - More qualitative and creative approaches to understanding collaboration outputs The success of collaboration is conventionally measured quantitatively, for example in scientific achievement and citations, number of businesses established, economic outputs and so on. However, there is still a gap in in-depth qualitative research into how collaboration leads on a practical level to innovation and how workspaces in
Crick Institute Image: Paul Grundy
education and health can foster this. In this area, built environment research itself can provide a way forward through interdisciplinary projects. - Better and more coherent transport and digital infrastructure London’s lack of effective digital infrastructure still poses a major potential barrier to growth for the city’s tech and science industries, including those in the fields of digital health and other emerging sectors. Digital infrastructure standards could be improved if developers and London’s great estates, both new and old, present a coordinated approach. In terms
of physical infrastructure, there could be potential to further explore the use of drones in fast, targeted delivery of blood and medical products, for example. However, continued emphasis must also be placed on improving rail and transport connections in the Golden Triangle, especially between Oxford and Cambridge. - Affordable housing in a mix of types and tenures Across London and the South East, huge
increase in demand as the population grows, combined with a lack of supply and new build, has made housing a critical issue in every city. While micro- homes might be a solution for undergraduate and postgraduate students, affordable housing for sale and rent for postdoctoral researchers, junior doctors and other early career professionals – as well as support staff who may not always qualify as ‘keyworkers’ – is especially scarce. Modular family housing and mixed-use schemes that integrate living with other functions may therefore be part of the way forward for future development. The report’s findings are now on
display as part of an exhibition at the NLA Galleries at the Building Centre, Store Street, WC1 and will run until Saturday 7 July 2018. The NLA Research Paper is available
Imperial West Image: Aukett Swanke
to download from:
www.newlondonarchitecture.org
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