Second national conference to focus on 'happy communities'
Architects, urban planners, and design aficionados from the UK’s public and private sectors are invited to a conference aimed at establishing great building design delivery and placemaking in challenging times.
The Make it Happen conference this year will focus on ‘happy communities’ – and the way mixed use schemes can be better delivered in cities. The event is organised by partners Urban Design Group (UDG), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Landscape Institute, Leicester City Council and Nottingham City Council.
The conference aims to celebrate triumphs and share best practice within the realm of architecture and urban planning. Delegates will come together from across the UK this year to debate viable, constructive avenues for positive change.
The event takes place on 7 May 2025, upstairs at Cleaver & Wake at The Island Quarter, Nottingham – a £1.3 billion 36-acre regeneration site that is central to the city’s sustainable growth and an award-winning piece of architecture.
Dr Laura Alvarez, senior principal urban design and conservation officer at Nottingham City Council and author of A Beginner's Guide to Urban Design and Development: The ABC of Quality, Sustainable Design established the first conference in 2024.
Laura said: “After the successful first event last year, we are returning in 2025 to focus on housing, with a special emphasis on creating happy communities through effective planning and development.
“We will explore the benefits of mixed-use development in cities, aiming to make them more desirable places to live for families and community-driven residents.
“Additionally, we will discuss the possibilities of re-purposing and densification to craft more inclusive residential spaces. There is an opportunity for audience questions and participation to ensure delegates make the most of these excellent contributors and their fellow built environment professionals.”
Last year’s event attracted more than 150 stakeholders from the public and private sectors, communities, and academia.
“The event is dedicated to showcasing commendable design delivery and best practices. This is a unique opportunity for public and private partners to meet and discuss key topics relating to design today,” said Laura.
The event schedule will be announced soon. There will an opportunity for networking. Refreshments and lunch are provided.
Sponsors so far include Nottingham City Council, Leicester City Council, RTPI, UDG, RIBA, Allan Joyce Architects, M-EC, DEETU, Cartwright Communications and Digital Midlands. There are further sponsorships available; for more information, email [email protected].
Make it Happen will take place on 7 May from 9am to 4.30pm at Cleaver & Wake, 1 The Great Northern Terrace, Nottingham NG2 3JL. Tickets are £35 with reductions for public sector delegates. There are also limited free tickets for students attending the conference. To book, visit https://www.rtpi.org.uk/events/2025/may/the-make-it-happen-east-midlands-conference-2025/