University urbanist explores 'food centred' development in London
Susan Parham, Head of Urbanism at the University of Hertfordshire, has published a book about the way food and cities interconnect, called Market Place: Food Quarters, Design and Urban Renewal in London.
Fresh insight
Exploring the rapid social, environmental and economic development of ‘food-centred’ spaces in and around three previously deteriorating markets – in Borough, Broadway and Exmouth - the book offers new insights into food, design and urban sustainability trends that could inform development and renewal elsewhere in London, as well as in other cities and towns.
Developing trends
The research findings about the successful development of ‘food quarters’ focuses on the paradox of food spaces that allow exclusive social identities to be expressed through food yet are also the means by which certain areas of cities are becoming more hospitable and sustainable. The interplay of design and everyday use is seen as central to this transformation.
Susan, who works at the Centre for Sustainable Communities (CSC) at the University, says: “The trends examined in the book are important to both increasing urban food resilience and creating a healthy food environment. The research found that the development of food quarters supports the revival of walkable, lively public spaces that help people avoid ‘obesegenic’ environments.”
More information
The book, which is available now, can be purchased from Amazon, Foyles and Cambridge Scholars Publishing. To find out more, visit the publisher’s site: http://www.c-s-p.org/Flyers/Market-Place--Food-Quarters--Design-and-Urban-Renewal-in-London1-4438-4172-2.htm