As requirements change, cities adapt and London has shown its resilience across recessions, plague, fires and wars to name but a few. Changes in London are already emerging as a result of the pandemic and JRA’s previous predictions for the metropolis are being put to the test. In 2012, New London Architecture invited the team to consider the ‘Developing City – A Vision for 2050.’ Working with Arup, JRA put together a vision for the future that encompassed architecture, public realm, and use within the city. At this time of change and turbulence, Directors Festus Moffat, John Robertson and David Magyar, and Head of Sustainability Dr Colin Beattie, reconvened to consider which of their predictions have come to fruition and what they now see as the direction for London. 

Over the last ten years, many of JRA’s original ideas for the future of the city have become a reality. Increased awareness of the effects of climate change has led to retrofit and reuse of existing and historic buildings becoming common practice. This is something the team has been a key driver of, and a trajectory that continues to be relevant as areas like Bishopsgate and Canary Wharf regenerate. JRA also predicted that there would be a new ‘Cultural Quarter’ based around Smithfield, which has come to be the Cultural Mile, uniting the exhibition spaces and creative centres that we see today, and continuing to expand with the Museum of London due to move to the Smithfield Market buildings. There has also been a proliferation of green spaces integrated into the city, with roof gardens and landscaped public realm, in particular, becoming key amenities.  

There are certain changes that are in progress and soon to be a reality. For instance, the pedestrianisation around Bank is due in 2022. The adaptations have undoubtedly been influenced by the pandemic, where pavements that have been temporarily widened to offer space to social distance and dining outdoors looks set to stay. This begins to realise JRA’s vision for a landscaped, pedestrianised City with an emerging outdoor café culture. 

A few of the practice’s predictions are yet to occur. In a landmark image, JRA and ARUP depicted the expanded use of the River Thames. While spaces alongside the river have improved and areas become better connected, such as Bermondsey and Southwark, the full potential hasn’t been realised. The teams foresaw floating islands offering green space and recreation, as well as a river walkway that would not only increase connection, but act as a flood defence for the city. 

Now that the team has had a chance to reflect, particularly in light of the pandemic, they have a fresh perspective on the future of the city. They note that more people are moving out of the centre or remaining local. This is leading to adaptations to areas now required to offer a full range of amenities and experiences. Canary Wharf, for one, is ahead of this curve in beginning to introduce residential, arts and cultural developments, expanding from its roots as a hub of business. Public realm is becoming increasingly important too, as many look for places to dwell and reconnect with nature. JRA is part of a team working on the first new major park the City has seen in recent history at Exchange Square, Bishopsgate.

Not only are areas expected to adapt, so too are individual buildings. Changes in habits and closures due to the pandemic are leading to buildings diversifying their offerings; there is an increase in mixed-use. In addition, retail has seen a sharp decline which has left many buildings in need of reactivation. The team see a solution in ‘meanwhile uses,’ as found in Croydon and Vinegar Yards. Pop-ups, affordable workspaces, cultural venues and studios are all possible ways to enliven progressively quieter streets. It isn’t just the pandemic that has led to a loss of physical retail. Increases in online shopping has contributed and this requires design solutions itself. For instance, at JRA’s Northcliffe House, where the team are reinvigorating the grade II listed former office and printing works for the Daily Mail, the team considered ecommerce deliveries, storage and reception facilities. This was included in their planning application and looks set to becoming increasingly common. 

For offices more generally, the team note future design changes as a result of the new working from home culture. Where designers previously focused on introducing elements of the home into the office, they see a shift on the horizon towards considering what the home can’t offer. Office designers need to capitalise on entering the city as an event with workspaces promoting the opportunity for sociability and serendipity that users won’t find at home. 

Although not all of JRA’s vision has become reality, many of their expectations have been met, and Robertson, Moffat, Magyar and Beattie all agree, the city is set to continue developing in new and exciting ways.