The third iteration of the conference will bring architects, urban planners, and designers together again to discuss planning policy advancements
The Make it Happen conference is operated by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Nottingham City Council, the Urban Design Group, RIBA, the Landscape Institute, and Leicester City Council.
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘successful human ecosystems’.
The conference examines policy in the context of building communities
Key to the event is a discussion on combining policy with design and delivery to upgrade existing spaces or create new ones that support people’s work, lives, and connections.
The first Make it Happen conference was established in 2024 by Dr Laura Alvarez of Nottingham City Council, who is the author of A Beginner’s Guide to Urban Design and Development: The ABC of Quality, Sustainable Design.
Dr Alvarez said: “Make it Happen has always been about bringing people together to explore how planning and design can improve everyday life, and this year we are focusing on how planning policy can become a genuine driver of thriving human ecosystems.
“Through a series of presentations and panels, we will look at how policy, design and delivery can work together to create places that support connection, wellbeing and long-term resilience.
Megan Wilson is the keynote speaker
As vice-chair of the RTPI East Midlands, Megan will speak on planning and design policy in practice before the conference delves into talks from members of Derby City Council and Plunkett UK, and workshops on live projects such as Nottingham’s Fruit Market and the New Lubbesthorpe extension in Leicestershire.
Chrissy Farrer, chair of RTPI East Midlands, said: “This year Make it Happen will really shine a light on the key role that planning policy, including design policies and guidance, can play in shaping the delivery of successful places that support human interaction, wellbeing and community resilience.
“By bringing together people from the private and public sector and planners, architects, consultants, developers and more, the conference provides a real opportunity to share ideas and knowledge and learn from each other, including considering existing constraints and how to embed best practice into development schemes.”
The conference will take place on 6 May, starting at 9 am until 4:30 pm at Cleaver & Wake, 1 The Great Northern Terrace, Nottingham NG2 3JL.
For more information on the conference or to book your ticket, follow the link here.
The post Third Make it Happen conference taking place in May appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
