Lord Rogers this week revealed how he might use his role at the Greater London Authority to improve the urban environment in the capital.
In a letter to the London councils and assembly members, Rogers set out the type of work that his Architecture and Urbanism Unit proposes to undertake, in partnership with London's public agencies, communities and the private sector. They include:

  • Contributing design guidance to the draft London plan
  • Providing a catalyst for innovative and intensified development in up to five key sites
  • Improving London's public realm
  • Championing good design in the GLA's own property development.

Rogers said the unit would provide strategic masterplanning input for one or more of the five sites, which are understood to be King's Cross, Stratford, North Greenwich, Victoria and Croydon. Each site will demonstrate principles of sustainable development.

The unit will also offer advice on developing briefs, design competitions and public consultation, and will work with councils on short- and medium-term public realm projects.

The unit, which includes Ricky Burdett, an academic at the London School of Economics and former member of the urban taskforce, will draw on the experience of a panel of international and local experts.

Rogers' unit will hold meetings with the London boroughs and other key stakeholders in June, before publishing a detailed four-year work plan in July.