019 - Designing Cities That Last: Masterplanning The Future with Bob Allies (Part 1)

What makes a city truly work, and how do we design places that endure the test of time?In this episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin ‘talks place’ with Bob Allies, Partner at Allies and Morrison, whose work has shaped some of the UK’s most transformative urban projects - from King’s Cross and the Olympic Park to Brent Cross Town, Bath, and the London College of Fashion building at East Bank, recently shortlisted for the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize.Together, they explore how masterplans evolve over decades, the importance of continuity and connection, and why a city masterplan should room for change, adaptation, and community ownership.In this episode, you’ll learn:🟣 How Allies and Morrison’s early housing projects in Milton Keynes and Brindleyplace, Birmingham, shaped their approach to urban design 🟣 Why continuity, hierarchy, and enclosure are essential ingredients in creating places people can navigate and understand 🟣 How long-term masterplans like King’s Cross balance flexibility with fixity - and why a masterplan should be seen as a process, not a plan 🟣 The story behind the London College of Fashion at East Bank - and how it captures the creative energy of ‘making’  🟣 What it means to serve as Bath’s first Architect in Residence, and how stewardship and design leadership can help historic cities face modern challenges 🟣 Bob’s reflections on urban change, public space, and why cities must evolve to stay aliveAbout Our GuestBob Allies is a partner of Allies and Morrison; Architect in Residence for the City of Bath and Professor of Architecture at the University of Bath; member of Council and chair of the Faculty of Architecture at the British School at Rome; chair of Design Review for Design South East; a member of the Council of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain and a trustee of the Historic Towns Trust. Allies and Morrison is the London-based practice behind major urban regeneration schemes including King’s Cross, the Olympic Park, Brent Cross Town, and Bankside. He also serves as the Architect in Residence for the City of Bath, advising on how to balance heritage, climate resilience, and the city’s evolving identity.A passionate advocate for long-term design thinking, Bob believes that cities thrive when they evolve - shaped by collaboration, continuity, and care.Join the Conversation:What makes a city last — its design, its people, or its ability to change?Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or LinkedIn @TalkingPlacePodcast using the hashtag #talkingplacepodcast Links & Mentions:🏛️ Allies and Morrison: https://www.alliesandmorrison.com🎓 London College of Fashion, East Bank: https://lcf.london.ac.uk🏆 RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 Shortlist: https://www.architecture.com🌆 City of Bath, Architect in Residence: https://visitbath.co.ukTo learn more about the host Tanisha Raffiuddin – visit here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanishaaWebsite: www.conceptculture.coTwitter: @tanisha.rrInstagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place – visit here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcastWebsite: https://www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcastInstagram: @talkingplacepodcastX (Twitter): @tppodcast_Bluesky: @talkingplaceTikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture – visit here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-ukWebsite: www.conceptculture.coTwitter: @_conceptcultureInstagram: @_conceptcultureSign up to our Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignupSupport the showTo learn more about host Tanisha Raffiuddin:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanisharaffiuddin/Website: www.conceptculture.coInstagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcastWebsite: www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcastInstagram: @talkingplacepodcastBluesky: @talkingplaceTikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-ukWebsite: www.conceptculture.coSign Up to Our Newsletter — mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignup