MA Urban and Regional Planning Welcome to MORE 2024

Johannes Novy (Course Leader – MAURP), John Somers, (Course Leader – RTPI Apprenticeship), Andrew Boughton, Lindsay Bremner, Ripin Kalra, Krystallia Kamvasinou, Ian Simpson, Giulio Verdini

Johannes Novy is Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning and holds a PhD in Urban Planning from Columbia University, New York. In addition to his work in teaching and research, he is a founding member of the Berlin collective u-Lab, Studio für Stadt und Raumprozesse, and a member of the Curatorial Board of the International Building Exhibition Stuttgart Region IBA2027.

John Somers is a Senior Lecturer in urban planning and the historic environment at the University of Westminster. He is a chartered member of the RTPI and the IHBC, and his research interests involve retrofitting historic buildings, heritage at risk, assessing heritage significance, and investigating inequality as a result of legislation and the resultant design of the built environment.

THIS ACADEMIC YEAR again offered a rich learning experience for everyone involved. Among many highlights, the field trip to Amsterdam/Utrecht stood out for providing valuable insights, interactions with stakeholders, and exposure to cutting-edge planning projects. Our regular teaching weeks also featured numerous special events, including fascinating discussions with two former students: Anthony Okereke, now the council leader of Greenwich, who shared his career journey and vision for a more equitable Greenwich; and Peter Wilson, Assistant Director at the City of London Corporation, who invited us to visit the Square Mile and learn about the plans in place to making it more sustainable and future-proof.

Our Professional Practice Weeks also continue to grow and evolve. These weeks, mandatory for apprentices and optional for other students, offer a deeper dive into professional practice and urban planning’s future challenges through various knowledge transfer formats. As the trend towards apprenticeships in urban planning education grows, we are well-equipped to maintain and expand our position as one of the leading programmes in London.

Students’ dissertations this year cover a wide range of compelling topics, reflective of their diverse interests and expertise. Notable topics include: the future of planning in the context of Artificial Intelligence; the need for reform in England’s planning system; the benefits of Green and Blue Infrastructure for health and well-being; and innovative strategies for future ‘New Towns’. These dissertations highlight the talent and dedication of our students to improving the built environment and underscore the importance of our field in creating sustainable, equitable and vibrant communities. We are excited about the contributions our students will make as they advance in their careers.

Featured images are from MAURP Fieldtrip, taken in November 2023 by Johannes Novy.