Futurebuild 2026

Most new schemes start to deteriorate from the day they are completed.

What lessons can be drawn from the best of new development, regeneration, landscape and public realm schemes that have bucked this trend, and are as good now or better than when the last construction worker left the site?

Speakers and Topics:

New Development - Katja Stille, Director, Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, Past Chair Urban Design Group

Landscape and Public Realm - Paul Reynolds, Director, Tapestry Studio, Past Chair Urban Design Group

Whether it's a public or a private sector scheme, the focus is generally on initial construction, rather than the long term. What starts out shiny and new after 10 years can look very different.

• litter accumulates
• paint decays and peels
• wood rots
• white walls turn grey and grubby
• landscaping is neglected
• young trees left unwatered during the increasingly frequent heatwaves, die and are not replaced.
• surfaces deteriorate through wear and tear, breakage and and sometimes vandalism.
• scarce funding is diverted to shiny new schemes, rather than looking after the assets society already has.

There are few places that avoid this malaise. And the impact on communities can be significant. Research shows that people are badly affected by living in a harsh, neglected environment, which can create a feeling of hostility and even fear.

So why don't we prioritise the long term and face up to the reality that the built and natural environment needs to be cared for?

This session explores what can be done - ranging from better initial design and specification through to different management, stewardship and funding systems, and community involvement and ownership that can ensure resilience.