CSGN Forum 2017: How green infrastructure is transforming the way we live
Thursday 15 June
John McIntyre Conference Centre, Pollock Halls, Edinburgh
This year’s Forum, our seventh, provides an opportunity to explore how green infrastructure projects are transforming the way we develop and repair our cities and towns.
Our event is aimed at public, private and third sector professionals, community activists and students working in or studying planning, engineering, architecture, green infrastructure, greenspace, active travel, sustainable development, urban regeneration, public health, community engagement and co-design.
As well as a key note Ministerial speech, during the day delegates will learn about three exciting projects which focus on the use of green infrastructure, innovation and liveability:
Senior Architect, Francesca Cesa Bianchi of Stefano Boeri Architects (SBA) will be presenting on the practices ground-breaking project Bosco Verticale in Milan. Translated as ‘vertical forest’, the project comprises two residential tower blocks that are clothed in vegetation contributing to the equivalent of 10,000 sqm of forest in a dense urban setting tempering the local microclimate, filtering pollution, creating new habitats and providing an extraordinary place in which to live. The ‘trees in the sky’ concept is taking off across the world and Francesca will speak about other projects the studio is developing;
Programme Manager, Wendy Langham from Eastside Partnership will talk about the Big Lottery Living Landmarks funded Connswater Community Greenway in east Belfast. Following the grant award in 2007, two major phases of development have created a 9km linear park with 16km of walking and cycling routes, 30 new or improved bridges crossing over three rivers, and works to deliver elements of Belfast’s Flood Alleviation scheme and improve water quality. Key drivers have been around health improvement, community cohesion, opportunities for employment and training and developing Belfast’s tourism offer;
Niels Jensen, a Traffic Planner with the City of Copenhagen will talk about Copenhagen’s Gronne Cykeruter or Green Cycle Routes. Well known for its high quality on-road cycling network, the City has also developed, since the 1930’s, a network of over 60km of routes through parks, open spaces, woodlands and other habitats which allow walkers and cyclists to commute away from traffic and in nature. Connecting key destinations and linking from the outskirts to the inner city these popular routes comprise new build and retrofit elements to create the network. With further routes being planned, Copenhagen remains on course as a World class city for active travel.
As well as learning about these major projects, delegates will also have an opportunity to find out about local active travel, greening and community growing projects in Edinburgh or to participate in workshops covering a range of topics including Scotland’s Greenspace Map, engaging with young people and encouraging communities to get involved in planning and placemaking.
The day will conclude with a panel and audience debate on accelerating the delivery of green infrastructure in our towns and cities.
This event is free to attend. With only 225 places available we suggest you book your place as soon as possible.
The full programme details and booking details are available here.