Embracing mistakes, with Cathryn Chatburn
Urban Enquiry Director Cathryn Chatburn is one of Australia’s leading urban designers with 30 years’ experience here and in the UK and has been awarded an array of industry awards. Cathryn is proficient in both policy and practice and is undertaking a PhD to interrogate the impact of cost-based decisions on what is designed and built.
What do you love about cities?
I love cities because they are amazing, dynamic, human organisms and they don't judge. They allow people to inhabit spaces the way that they want to and provide the platform for people to get on with their individual daily lives, whatever they may be.
What changes have you seen in cities over the past 20 years that matter the most to you?
For me, it’s the re-emergence of investment in social infrastructure, like shared transport and shared public spaces, and more commitment to public assets as fundamental parts of urban systems.
Negatively, I’m concerned that the commoditisation of built form means we are losing connection with the social value of buildings and civic spaces and with the joy of cities as a reflection of society and our values.
Tell us about a project/s you’ve worked on that has been most important to you?
A regeneration of a housing estate on the fringe of Edinburgh in 2000 was important because we worked with the community to establish a sense of connection to the place that had diminished over a long time. This taught me:
The value of taking time to explore the process and opportunity with the community.
The importance of long-term stewardship of developments, in this case via a public-private joint venture.
How the well-intentioned relocation of a community from inner-city Edinburgh in 1930 failed to protect the fabric that made it a community – and failed to improve people’s lives as a result.
How did this project/s shape your professional practice?
In the built environment, we mostly deal with hard infrastructure, solid things that you can build and deliver. I think that project reinforced the importance of understanding human behaviour, the importance of taking the time to understand the place that you're working in, and the history that's created a place as well.
“Let’s be agile and not intimidated by our mistakes. Let’s embrace them as opportunities to see where we can do things better. ”
People had good intentions to create great places in the past, but we can learn a lot if we try and learn about past failures.
What are the outcomes you strive for in every project?
Through my involvement in master planning and design frameworks, I strive to create resources that are practical and useful and not “dead” documents.
What are the key practices you draw upon to help you achieve these outcomes?
As a process junkie, I use a six-point process.
Create a strong team, and the client is part of this.
Create a method for collaborative problem solving so people can trust each other.
Use evidence-based planning and design.
Have a strong narrative about the proposition, including economic justification.
Check the buildability and cost effectiveness of any master plan.
Create a compelling narrative to which the community can align.
To be a great ancestor for future generations, what does our sector need to focus on today?
Our projects have lasting legacies and our sector needs to be clear about the legacy we want to leave.
What has to change/ be amplified in our system to make these things a priority?
Let’s be agile and not intimidated by our mistakes. Let’s embrace them as opportunities to see where we can do things better. There would be long-term benefit to educating the community and elected officials to understand the complexity and interconnectedness of the built environment – nothing sits in isolation. Cities are systems; if you pull one lever then this happens and if you move another, then these are the benefits.
What's one piece of advice you would give to emerging urban leaders?
Commit time to deeply understand the places and communities that you are interacting with, even though they might not be your client. Know the people who will be using your design. Create a north star to ensure you keep track of your project’s purpose or “why” amidst the pressure.
