Bringing Boston design to the Earls Court masterplan.
Daniel Nowak (Graduate Research Consultant; Applied Research & Innovation team) took part in a study trip to the Harvard Graduate School of Design, with the aim of learning key design and development strategies from Boston’s innovation districts to implement in the Earls Court Masterplan. Dan also looked to engage with Harvard student projects to bring back pioneering ideas for plot designs, as well as learning from the placemaking successes and challenges in Boston and Cambridge.
Dan created a summary report which you can read here.
“As we guide our clients in creating inclusive and engaging urban environments, lessons from the other side of the pond offer valuable strategies to capture the growing trend of innovation-focused development in the UK.”
Innovation hubs.
“The Boston Development and Planning Agency (BDPA) emphasises comprehensive, sustainable, urban-scale development, ensuring that individual projects align with a cohesive, long-term vision. They have been instrumental in regenerating the South Boston waterfront area into the Seaport Innovation District, with oversight over the various developers’ masterplans. This is something that stands in contrast to the split approach to planning in London and the challenges that arise as a consequence.
Our visits to innovation hubs such as Kendall Square and the Seaport District highlighted the importance of creating spaces that foster collaboration and human interaction. These areas will attract talent and stimulate innovation, thanks to the dense, knowledge-rich environment they offer.
Innovation hubs, namely the Cambridge Innovation Center and District Hall in Boston were pinpointed by both the BDPA planners and local urban designers as pivotal to the development of the Innovation Districts. The integration of pedestrian pathways, bike lanes, and public transportation within these districts showcases the importance of connected design. There are several projects underway to ‘right the wrongs’ of 20th century American city planning, relocating highways to knit severed neighbourhoods back together.
In the UK, we must include flexible workspaces, communal areas, and modern infrastructure when designing development projects and masterplans. These spaces should be adaptable to the evolving needs of start-ups and entrepreneurs. As with Boston, connectivity is also crucial. We are seeing our own shift from out-of-town science parks towards vibrant, well connected, urban areas. This is one of the trends identified as a significant opportunity for Earls Court, following examples of Kings Cross and the Olympic Park in London.”
Innovation driving urban regeneration
“Innovation districts attract high-skilled jobs and foster a young, vibrant talent pool. By providing an environment for collaboration, these areas become magnets for businesses and professionals alike. Focusing on innovation enables cities to diversify their economies. In Boston, this enabled the waterfront area to regenerate after de-industrialisation, with the innovation district sitting alongside the remaining seafood industry. This is particularly important for developments in UK cities looking to transition from traditional industries to knowledge-based economies. Projects like the Bristol Temple Quarter and Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor demonstrate how innovation can drive urban regeneration and resilience.
The Seaport example in Boston highlights the need for community engagement and social value. While regeneration has brought new business and economic growth, there are concerns about residential and commercial affordability and lack of effort to address inequality across the city. Part of the solution is to ensure that the innovation economy is accessible to local communities, rather than relying on an influx of talent from outside. There is also a need to ensure that housing is accessible to academics and graduates, and commercial rates affordable to entrepreneurs and startups.”
Applying the innovation model in the UK
“We can learn from these examples in the US, as well as the UK projects that are leading the way in innovation-driven development. Earl’s Court aims to become a nucleus for innovation by incorporating mixed-use planning, sustainable design, and a focus on proximity and connectivity. We have an opportunity to positively influence the approach towards innovation-focused development. Placing social value and inclusivity at the core is key to ensuring that innovation is a driver of true regeneration, rather than a force of gentrification. This is instrumental to achieving the broader vision of sustainable and resilient urban development and in the UK.”