Top architects descend on Londonderry

The Academy of Urbanism, whose members include industry leading figures from across Europe, travel to Londonderry next week for its seventh Annual Congress to explore the theme of ‘The Resilient City’, after awarding it the title of Great Town 2012 at a prestigious awards ceremony.

They will focus on exchanging experiences and lessons ahead of the city’s year as City of Culture and delegates will have a chance to delve deep into the successes of the city as well as pick up the latest learning on creating successful communities from around Europe

The event will tale place in a number of venues including The Playhouse, which in 2010 won the UK, British Urban Regeneration Award, the first building in N orthern Ireland to do so.

Leading preparations for the Congress, Kevin Murray, Chairman of The Academy of Urbanism said: “The Academy’s Congress delegates hope to learn a lot about the transformation and regeneration of Londonderry in recent years. We also plan to exchange lessons and experiences from other international towns, cities and neighbourhoods”.

Local architect and Academy member, Mary Kerrigan, said:“It is a real coup for Derry to host Northern Ireland’s first ever Academy of Urbanism Congress. This reflects the hard work and vision of so many local people in transforming the city over the last twenty years. The Congress is a once in a decade opportunity for our practitioners, academics students and citizens to engage with speakers and delegates from all over the UK, Ireland and wider Europe. We are honoured and delighted.”

It is open to all those interested in working towards making their place better for living, working and visiting.

For more information contact the Academy on 020 7251 8777 or visit www.academyofurbanism.org.uk