McGregor Coxall's Studio Manager, Lizzie Field, discusses the New London Agenda's "Work in Partnership" pillar and the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration in urban design.

The New London Agenda’s commitment to ‘Work in Partnership’ emphasises the importance of collaboration and collective action in understanding and addressing the built environment challenges facing the city. 

At McGregor Coxall, the commitment to interdisciplinary design ensures collaboration is deeply ingrained in the way we work. Staff possess diverse skill sets and specialisms, united by a commitment to the central design concept of ‘Biourbanism’, where cities are understood and treated as a form of nature in the pursuit of creating resilient urban environments. With designers dispersed across continents and time zones (our bases are in the UK and Australia), the imperative of effective partnership becomes even more pronounced. Colleagues are encouraged to challenge traditional disciplinary confines, celebrating the diversity of available expertise, and enabling a vibrant exchange of ideas. External relationships with consultant partners are carefully considered, nurtured, and reviewed to ensure the best possible outcomes for the communities impacted by our projects.

A recent get-together for UK based staff and visiting Australian colleagues illustrated this collaborative ethos in action. Drawing inspiration from the beloved television program "Ready Steady Cook," participants were organised into small teams, each equipped with a bag of mystery ingredients and a designated cooking station. For those unfamiliar with the nineties daytime TV show, contestants are divided into two teams, challenging their culinary prowess as they race against the clock to whip up a dish using limited ingredients. The task demands quick thinking, creativity, improvisation, and, of course, collaboration.

A brief survey of the room as our cooking teams strategised revealed a coordinated approach to the challenge. Teams swiftly identified individual’s cooking strengths, appointed leaders, scoped necessary tools, allocated tasks, and synchronised workflow. The invaluable role of team communication was especially evident in a bustling kitchen environment. There was no vote for a winning dish, as in the TV format, but it would have been an added challenge (the dishes served, ranging from tray bakes to salads and wood-fired pizza, were genuinely tasty).

The Vench Community Kitchen and Garden provided an inspiring setting for the task and a fitting reminder of the importance of partnership. Located in North Bristol, the colourful space welcomes young people and their families, offering a safe area for learning and play. Established almost fifty years ago, it has become a significant cornerstone of the local community, developing connections with various charities and education groups.

Beyond the culinary delights, the activity underscored the impact of collaboration in driving success. To tackle the complex design challenges confronting London and other cities, design teams must build effective partnerships that provide the diverse spectrum of requisite expertise. Good working partnerships can serve to bridge knowledge gaps and amplify influence, while encouraging a culture of accountability, empathy, and trust. Food for thought, indeed.