Collectively Speaking

Hosted by Max Farrell

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Latest episode

Feb 2025

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About the show

A new podcast series, looking at the big issues in the built environment, hosted by industry expert and LDN Collective Founder Max Farrell. The LDN Collective is a network of built environment experts and creatives fighting to improve people’s lives and the planet’s prospects. Each episode Max will chat with members and clients of the LDN Collective.

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18 recent

February 12, 2025Episode 738 min

Season 2: Episode 7 - Politics and Planning with Jonny Popper

What's the secret to revamping one of the world's most iconic cities? Jonny Popper, CEO of LCA, joins us to uncover the political and planning transformations that have shaped London's urban landscape over the past quarter-century. We explore how establishing a mayor and assembly in 2000 catalysed a new era for London's built environment. With Jonny's expert insights, we dissect how political dynamics and the alignment of borough plans with the mayor's vision have evolved, alongside the professionalisation of planning processes. Yet, the journey is far from over, as ongoing challenges in land assembly and viability assessments continue to impact the pace of regeneration projects.Curious about what it takes to navigate London's complex development sector? This episode promises a deep understanding of the viability challenges developers face amid an intricate web of policies and requirements. We highlight the need for political bravery and flexibility in planning decisions to enhance housing delivery while reflecting on the shifting landscape from Ken Livingstone to Sadiq Khan. The conversation underscores the tension between policy aspirations and the financial realities on the ground, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to meet ambitious housing targets.Looking beyond London, we delve into the global investment stage with the Opportunity London initiative, a pivotal effort to attract international capital. We discuss London's role as a gateway for UK investment and the challenges international investors face. Our conversation highlights the strategic development potentials in East London, the importance of community consultation, and long-term planning in creating sustainable urban environments. As we cast an eye toward the future, we share our optimistic outlook on economic recovery and company expansion, spotlighting the latest developments within our team and the promising opportunities that lie ahead.Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

January 13, 2025Episode 635 min

Season 2: Episode 6 - Net Zero Neighbourhoods with Hannah Jewkes

Collectively Speaking - Net Zero NeighbourhoodsIn this episode of Collectively Speaking, Max Farrell, Chief Executive of the LDN Collective, discusses net zero neighbourhoods with Hannah Jewkes, a Sustainability Associate at AESG. They explore innovative strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment and share insights from groundbreaking projects.Hannah shares her journey into sustainability, transitioning from civil engineering to focusing on ESG and sustainable construction after a pivotal realization about her studies' environmental impact. Together, Max and Hannah address the energy supply crisis in West London, caused by the growing demand for data centres, which stalled housing developments. This challenge spurred the LDN Collective to identify solutions in low-energy construction and decentralized energy systems.Key takeaways from their discussion include ten principles derived from global case studies, emphasizing improved building fabrics, renewable energy technologies, and the use of data for efficiency. They highlight the “GreenHaus” project in Manchester, an affordable, high-density PassiveHaus development, and the Barnsley Community Energy Coalition, which implemented solar panels to aid vulnerable households.Hannah also details innovative collaborations, such as South Dublin County Council’s initiative to repurpose waste heat from data centres and Cornwall’s Kensa Heat Pumps project, which connected multiple homes to a single ground-source heat pump, reducing heating costs.The conversation shifts to a current project in Huntingdonshire, where Max and Hannah are helping design a sustainable community of 5,000 homes. Strategies include optimizing building orientation, integrating EV charging and solar energy, and fostering community engagement to educate residents on sustainable living.Looking to the future, Max and Hannah discuss upcoming regulations like Future Homes Plus and innovations such as capturing waste heat from the London Underground. They also highlight Octopus Energy’s plans to offer affordable modular housing with integrated solar panels and no energy bills for ten years.Access the full report on net zero neighbourhoods here https://westlondon.com/net-zero-neighbourhoods-report-launched-to-further-the-uptake-for-a-low-carbon-future/Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

December 11, 2024Episode 540 min

Season 2: Episode 5 - Tech and AI in Community Engagement (Festive Special!)

For the 5th episode in the second series of LDN Collective podcasts, tackling the big issues in the built environment, we decided to LEAP outside our comfort zone! 🚀 🤖 Recorded live at our recent event exploring the impact of technology and AI on community engagement, we started with an open mic session where all 50 attendees had the opportunity to share their stories. 📚 This was followed by presentations from pioneers like ECF, Commonplace, Digital Urban, Hello Lamp Post, Concept Culture and Grosvenor. We finished with a lively panel discussion and there was a LOT of food for thought.Hopefully see you at our next event in the New Year, likely to focus on community engagement and regional planning. Our January podcast will be on Net Zero Neighbourhoods with Hannah Jewkes 🎉 Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

November 4, 2024Episode 430 min

Season 2: Episode 4 - Health on the High Street with Rumi Bose

In the latest episode of our Collectively Speaking podcast series, we hear from urban regeneration expert Rumi Bose about health and wellbeing in our high streets and town centres. An award-winning place-shaping expert, Rumi’s high street and regeneration projects have won New London Architecture, Civic Trust and RIBA awards. She is Chair of the NLA’s High Street Expert Panel, board member of Future of London, and a member of the Property X-Change Sounding Board. This podcast is a treasure trove of wisdom and experience!Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

September 30, 2024Episode 330 min

Season 2: Episode 3 - Healthy City Design with Jeremy Myerson

In this timely episode of the Collectively Speaking podcasts, CEO Max Farrell sits down with author and academic Jeremy Myerson, to discuss healthy city planning and design. Hear about some amazing initiatives, from Stockton-on-Tees to Seoul, where city leaders have improved the health of their citizens through imaginative and interdisciplinary urban design.Find out more at the Healthy City Design Congress, a global forum for the exchange of knowledge on the research, policy, investment and practice of designing healthy and sustainable cities and communities. The Congress takes place in Liverpool on 15th & 16th October. This year’s theme is ‘Building a fairer future: Advancing health equity through impact investment’ and they will be giving out awards in eight categories.Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

September 3, 2024Episode 228 min

Season 2: Episode 2 - Socio-economics with Tim Ashwin

In episode two of the second series of Collectively Speaking podcasts, LDN Collective CEO Max Farrell sits down with economist Tim Ashwin to discuss the importance of strategising and measuring social and economic value.Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

August 3, 2024Episode 132 min

Season 2: Episode 1 - Masterplanning with Hannah Smart

The LDN Collective were delighted with the first series of their Collectively Speaking podcasts, and the fantastic feedback ever since. So we are kicking off this summer with a new series and a slight twist. Our CEO Max Farrell will still be sitting down with members, clients and collaborators to discuss the big issues in the built environment, but this time we will be taking a deep dive into a particular topic or theme. The first episode is with Hannah Smart, founder of Edge Urban Design and Honorary Secretary of the Urban Design Group. Hannah is a phenomenon, having created a 100% female urban design studio that is setting the agenda for people and planet-led placemaking. This episode is perfectly timed, as Max and Hannah discuss masterplanning for new settlements. Just as the new Labour government announces a task force to identify a programme of new towns to be built in this country, for the first time in fifty years.Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

March 30, 2024Episode 135 min

Collectively Speaking Episode 11- Chris Arning

The Season One finale is a gripping podcast exploring the often overlooked subject of semiotics and the built environment. Join Max Farrell and world renowned semiotician Chris Arning, founder of Creative Semiotics, as they discuss how to create meaningful spaces that reflect and enhance communities sense of identity and belonging.Chris shares insights into his academic journey, from studying history and philosophy at University College London to international relations at the University of Warwick.Explore Chris's transition into semiotics, driven by his passion for understanding cultures and decoding the implicit influences that shape human behaviour.Chris breaks down the concept of semiotics, its origins in sign theory, and its modern applications in branding and communication.Discover how semiotics plays a crucial role in branding, helping organizations bridge the gap between their intended messages and their audience's perceptions.Explore the potential of semiotics in urban planning, architecture, and placemaking, with a focus on creating authentic and inclusive spaces.Learn how brand naming contributes to creating a distinct sense of place in urban regeneration projects, fostering a sense of identity and community.Delve into the significance of colour and symbolism in architecture and urban design, and their role in conveying cultural values and identities.Hear about the challenges of balancing authenticity and commercial considerations in development projects, and strategies for fostering genuine community engagement.Explore practical ways for property developers to demonstrate authenticity and genuine commitment to community well-being, including investing in cultural initiatives and avoiding superficial gestures.Tune in to this latest episode of Collectively Speaking for insightful conversations on creating sustainable and authentic places. Look out for Season Two launching in time for the London Festival of Architecture in June.Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

February 25, 2024Episode 1027 min

Collectively Speaking Episode 10 - Natasha Reid

Welcome to Collectively Speaking Episode 10 where we delve into the intersection ofurban design, social impact, and community building with Natasha Reid founder ofMatter Space Soul. Natasha is a beacon for shaping places that improve health, wellbeing, and social impact. Together, we explore how the built environment affects our lives, from physical and mental health to fostering connections and a sense of belonging. Discover how we're redefining urban spaces to prioritise people and communities, creating vibrant, inclusive environments for everyone. Tune in for insightful conversations and a glimpse into the future of sustainable, human-centred design.Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

January 30, 2024Episode 934 min

Collectively Speaking Episode 9- Mike Saunders

🎙️ Dive into the exhilarating world of urban planning with the latest episode of "Collectively Speaking"! 🌆 Join us in the heart of Chancery Lane at Sidara's offices, where the host Max Farrell engages in a riveting conversation with Mike Saunders, the visionary founder of Commonplace.🚀 Unveil the secrets behind Commonplace, a groundbreaking platform that's revolutionizing urban planning. This isn't your ordinary podcast – it's an adventure through the squiggly lines of Mike's unconventional career journey, from physics and philosophy to becoming an urban design trailblazer.💡 Discover how Commonplace is not just a product; it's a service that sparks ongoing collaborations, unleashing the power of early and continuous community engagement. Imagine a tool that can transform the outcomes of projects and redefine the way people influence the future of their neighbourhoods🌍 Explore the success story of "Park Power," a project that brought thousands of voices together to shape the future of green spaces in London. Mike shares his vision for the future, including initiatives to engage communities in discussions about brownfield sites and the potential for a nationwide database capturing sentiments about the built environment🎯 Get ready for a rollercoaster of insights as Mike delves into the role of social impact assessments, the possibility of mandating tools like Commonplace in the planning process, and the fascinating world of being an "activator" in urban planning🔥 This podcast isn't just an auditory experience; it's an invitation to be part of a movement that's transforming the way we shape our cities. Join the excitement, gain insider knowledge, and be inspired to become an active participant in the urban planning revolution! 🌟 Don't miss out – hit play now and step into the future of our built environment! 🏙️✨Find out more about the LDN Collective at https://ldn-collective.com/

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