Northern Ireland

Contact: James Hennessey

Tel: 028 9073 6690

A Call For Help!

The Urban Design Group in Northern Ireland is reliant on members voluntarily giving time to help organise and run events. If you are a local member - or even if you're not! - and would be keen to get involved, please contact James (details above).

UDG NI

Today in Northern Ireland the need for good urban design is as urgent as ever. All around us we see the regeneration of our towns and cities, the continued development of housing, retail and commercial areas and the major upgrading of transport infrastructure. Whilst this process is a vital component of the economic and physical progression of Northern Ireland, at times the physical form adopted has not always been conducive to creating great places – places that make a lasting and positive contribution to the built environment. Unfortunately, bad urban design is not a thing of the past. With plans afoot for many more significant developments and discussion over the laws and policies to which they adhere, it is crucial that all those involved with the planning, design and management of our physical environment commit to some basic principles of good urban design.

In Northern Ireland membership of the UDG is on the increase. This is occurring in a context of numerous urban design frameworks being commissioned for our towns and cities, the establishment of PLACE built environment centre in Belfast, the setting up of several new private urban design consultancies in Belfast and the introduction of a masters degree in urban design at Queen’s University.

Past UDG NI Activities

Quality Streets (September 2006) A UDG article on the importance of good streets in the Sep / Oct edition of Ulster Architect
Habitat Imaginari (20 - 25 March 06) Invited by Belfast Community Circus, the UDG NI joined an NI delegation to the international conference in Sardinia on art, culture and urban space.
Loving Urbanism (20 October 05) The UDG joined The Irish Times, John Thompson Partnership, Rotterdam Development Corporation at this hugely successful event to mark the formal launch of Urban Design Ireland in Dublin. This was followed by an animated Marketplace event.
Urban Treasure Hunt(17 September 05) A fun treasure hunt around Donegall Square - popular with young and old.
Builders, Bricks & Mortarboards (13 September 05), A private UDG viewing of the exhibition celebrating architecture at Queen's University
Modern British Architects (13 September 05) An outing to see the excellent Channel 5 film on Britain's contemporary architects.
Putting People First (20 June 05) A double page article in the Belfast Telegraph introducing Urban Design and the Urban Design Group.
UDG Relaunch (17 June 05) The formal relaunch of the UDG in Northern Ireland. Guest speakers included Rob Cowan (UDG), Malachy McEldowney (QUB), Roisin Alexander (DSD) and Dave O'Connor (UDI)
STREET Marketplace (17 June 05) 6 locally based consultancies involved with Urban Design 'set up stall' to share what they do and why they do it. Well done to Soltys Brewster, GVA Grimley, Llewelyn Davies, BDP, Todd Architects and Turley Associates.
UDG Gathering (11 May 05) An enjoyable gathering of people interested in Urban Design and the UDG in Northern Ireland. Attendees included urban designers, planners, architects, landscape architects, developers and civil servants – a promising start indeed!

Links

www.place.uk.net - PLACE, Northern Ireland's Built Environment Centre