Impression along the central boulevard at new development in Nigeria

With perhaps an element of not having reflected upon this aspect earlier and in spite of a number of associates having realised this but being far too polite to mention it, it was within this climate that Place-Make was humbly initiated at the end of 2012.

A year later, and we have been fortunate to have experienced an exciting 2013 having worked on projects of varying scale, function and characteristics across three continents.

Internationally, the year has seen the completion of concept master plans on sites of 300 ha and 2000 ha in the UAE and West Africa respectively. Despite each site presenting contrasting physical, social and environmental considerations, the development vision for each is a mix of complimentary land uses, a multi-modal transport strategy and the opportunity to implement environmental design aspects that are particular to each site and the scale and nature of the proposed development.

The year has also seen the completion of a visionary strategy for a significant city centre development in China and the opening of L’Heritage Resort in Lebanon, a project which, on behalf of ‘Homes for Lebanon’, we prepared the site planning, concept architecture and landscape design.

In the UK, we are very pleased to have been involved in elaboration of concept master plans for predominantly residential developments on both green and brownfield sites in the South East of England, together with the provision of planning consultancy and architecture design services for private clients.

On a practice level, the beginning of 2013 saw a study trip to the wonderfully inspiring city of Brugge. For me, Brugges also has a deeply rooted professional interest, having previously studied and written about the eminent Austrian planner, Camillo Sitte, who used a number of the city’s public spaces as case studies in his seminal book, ‘City Planning According to Artistic Principles’ (1889).

On a personal level, it was particularly satisfying to witness the opening of L’Heritage in time for its first summer season. Sketching is a favourite pastime that I have less and less time to enjoy these days and I was very fortunate to have been able to take some time for this in the picturesque and visually stimulating cities of Brugges, Chania and Dubai. While also, the opportunity to work with clients, colleagues and other consultants alike for the preparation of complex strategies for a variety of sites in different physical, social and environmental conditions provides both the impetus and enthusiasm for the year ahead.

Within this, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our followers for your continued interest and we look forward to sharing more news and activity as 2014 unfolds.

Best regards,
David

Impression of proposed waterfront development in Nigeria

Image from 2013 prior to opening for the summer season

Image from 2013 prior to opening for the summer season

Schematic of the Concept Master Plan for the villa community at Dubai’s International Media and Production Zone (IMPZ)

Concept Master Plan for the proposed villa community at Dubai’s International Media and Production Zone (IMPZ)