Principals John Bushell and Elie Gamburg shared key findings from “KPF50: The Evolution of Urban Districts,” the firm’s recent symposium and exhibition at The London Centre in The Weekly Edit.
The article considers the transformation of cities over the past 50 years, from the regeneration of former industrial areas and waterfronts to the evolution of office-dominated central business districts into mixed-use centers of economic, cultural, and civic life. It asks what these changes can teach us about the next generation of cities.
The discussion traced a clear shift from office-dominated central business districts toward mixed-use centers that support activity beyond the working day. It also highlighted the role of long-term stewardship and incremental development, with new projects working with existing urban fabric and contributing to the public realm over time.
Together, these ideas point to a model of city-making that is cumulative: districts adapt, build on what is already there, and evolve in response to the people and places they serve.
