Green Urbanist - Sustainable Placemaking, Planning and Urban Design

This episode is all about technology to help us deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). My guest is Shashin Mishra, VP of EMEA for AiDash.We explore how a new digital tool called BNGAI has been created to help developers, ecologists and local authorities deliver Biodiversity Net Gain on development sites. We talk through how can the tool be used to help designers and ecologists work together in a collaborative way to get better results.I ask the key question: Is this going to replace real ecologists? Spoiler: no, it won’t. If you want to learn more, go to their website www.BNG.AI- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

Doug Voigt, a partner at SOM, discusses the Wild Mile project in Chicago and the importance of rewilding and restoring ecological systems in cities. The project aims to reclaim part of the Chicago River as an ecological and community asset. We also discuss how the Wild Mile inspired an innovative approach to flood resilience in the Pearl River Delta. These projects are part of a larger effort to reimagine and retrofit urban infrastructure for the challenges of the 21st century.More about the Wild Mile: https://www.som.com/projects/wild-mile/More about Doug: https: https://www.som.com/person/doug-voigt/- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

James is founding partner of HTL Africa, a research-driven architectural firm dedicated to addressing the specific challenges of West African environments. He joined me to discuss what we can learn from traditional west African architecture and urbanism to apply to current challenges of climate change and housing shortages. Learn more about James and his projects: https://www.htlafrica.com/- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

Dr. Thami Croeser, an urban planner and Research Fellow at RMIT University in Melbourne, focuses on integrating nature into city designs. He dives into practical strategies for enhancing biodiversity and the significance of understory vegetation in urban wildlife habitats. Discussing connectivity, he shares a poignant story about a disappearing frog population and the need for ecological integration. Additionally, he explores the transformation of aging infrastructure into green spaces and emphasizes grassroots involvement in nature-sensitive urban initiatives.

Shaun Spiers is the Executive Director of the environmental think-tank, Green Alliance. In this episode we discuss how a stronger planning system in the UK can address the housing crisis and deliver more sustainable outcomes. Read their report, Build Up: https://green-alliance.org.uk/publication/build-up/- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

Alexandra Steed is a passionate landscape architect with a deep commitment to art, sustainability, and the transformative power of landscapes. We talk about:Her new book: Portrait to LandscapeHow to restore landscapes on a large scale to build climate resilience and biodiversityHow The UK's Environment Act and Biodiversity Net Gain are working in realityProject case studies and book recommendations.Learn more:Alexandra Steed URBAN: https://alexandrasteedurban.com/Book: Portrait to Landscape: https://alexandrasteedurban.com/project/portrait-to-landscape-a-landscape-strategy-to-reframe-our-future/- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

Louisa Whitmore is an architecture enthusiast, TikToker and host of the Nature of Design documentary series. In this episode we discuss her experience making the documentary, the mental health benefits of biophilic environments and case studies of great biophilic projects.Learn more about the Nature of Design documentary:The Green Channel: LinkInstagram: LinkTikTok: LinkLouisa's TikTok: Link- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

Alisdair Ben Dixon, Anna Lisa McSweeney, and Isabel Allen discuss the Regenerative Architecture Index, aiming to promote regenerative practice in the built environment. They delve into the definition of regenerative design, challenges in the architectural industry, and the importance of community engagement. The podcast explores case studies, advocacy for sustainable solutions, and the submission process for the index.

Andrew Bullmore from VU.CITY discusses using 3D models, digital twins, and AI for sustainable planning. They cover topics like generative design, AI tools in architecture, solar energy opportunities, and retrofit projects for sustainability wins.

Sam Luker, from AESG, discusses the benefits of decarbonizing neighborhoods, retrofitting for sustainability, engaging communities, and innovative funding mechanisms in creating Net Zero Neighbourhoods.