SMART’s Distinguished speakers 
Lessons from London
Camilla Ween
Harvard Loeb Fellow
February 27, 2008
SMART Presentation Summary
Camilla Ween, Harvard Loeb Fellow 2008, gave a talk at the University of Michigan in February 2008. Prior to being awarded the Fellowship, Camilla was Interim Head of Land Use Planning at Transport for London, the department that advises the Mayor on the impact of strategic development and policy in London.
Camilla’s talk focused on how London has integrated land use, planning and transport through policy, the Mayor’s Spatial Development Strategy, the London Plan. This has played a major role in achieving a radical shift in development solutions. She uses the opportunities raised by development to ensure public transport benefits are delivered; this can be by way of developer’s contributions as part of their planning permission obligations, through design opportunities arising as a result of redevelopment e.g. new Tube entrances and other public transport facilities such as bus and taxi facilities, improvements to walking, cycling and public realm.
She covered various measures that have been employed in London to make the city cleaner, less congested and more attractive, particularly the Congestion Charge Scheme that has reduced congestion by 30% and as a result, pollution levels. New public transport projects were discussed such as the new Crossrail Underground scheme that links national rail to the London Underground. She also covered ‘softer’ transport improvements such as enhanced walking and cycling environments and how these are fundamental to the overall accessibility of the city. Camilla sees high quality the public realm as a fundamental aspect of a sustainable city and seeks to achieve public open space that is green, safe, conducive to social interaction, provides for needs of children and the elderly and, above all, is beautiful and inspiring.
Biography
Camilla Ween is an architect, currently working in urban design and transportation at Transport for London. Prior to coming to Harvard on a Loeb Fellowship in 2007/08, she was leading the Land Use Planning team, which advises the Mayor of London on the impact of strategic planning applications and policy on the public transport network,
Camilla is passionate about making cities that are both functional, liveable and which promote citizenship. She seeks, through development opportunities, to make all open space attractive, enjoyable and conducive to social exchange alongside high quality public transport, cycle and pedestrian networks. She places strong emphasis on high quality urban and landscape design and beautiful architecture, and above all, the mediation of space and the reclaiming of streets for urban life and festivals.
Camilla is currently studying how society needs to adapt our cities and way of life to become carbon neutral and address the imminent problems of global climate change before it is too late.
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