Infra[un]structured powered by the National Infrastructure Commission

In this episode, the Ann Zhang from the YPP is joined by Rayhan Haque from the Local Trust, Emily Nielsen from Frontier Economics, and Zineb Ziani from the National Infrastructure Commission to discuss social infrastructure. We answer the questions of what is social infrastructure, why does it matter, and how can we make sure that we have enough of it?

PAS 2080, what is it? What does it mean for your role? You may have come across PAS 2080 in your role already, you may even be an expert looking to hear new perspectives, or you may be completely new to the topic and looking for a quick digestible introduction. Either way, this podcast promises to be a great addition to your day. Natalie Bird, Investment appraisal advisor specialising in carbon management and PAS 2080 at Mott Mac Donald and Ranier Valcarcel, Associate Director at BuroHappold Engineering joined Brittany Harris from the YPP to share their experience of working with PAS 2080 and great advice on how to make best use of this framework as your progress on your journey to Net Zero Carbon.

In this episode, the YPP are joined by Henri Murison from Northern Powerhouse, Polly Barker from Hatch, and Chris Wanzala-Ryan from the National Infrastructure Commission, to explore how we can adapt our infrastructure to suit future ways of working and living.

In this episode of infra[un]structured, Calum Askins and Brittany Harris of the National Infrastructure Commission's Young Professionals Panel are joined by Rachel Skinner, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, to explore Net Zero and Levelling Up. We discuss the new National Infrastructure Strategy, how the pandemic has shifted travel demand, and how we can still continue to develop new infrastructure as we head towards net zero. We also explore how we can use infrastructure to support levelling up across the whole of the UK.

What have sensors got to do with net zero? What does Levelling Up actually mean? And what has infrastructure got to do with any of this? Join us as we explore these questions in episode 12 of infra[un]structured, the first of a brand new series. In this episode, Charlotte Mitchell hands over the reins to a new cohort of the National Infrastructure Commission's Young Professionals Panel. Monica Laucas and Sam Cocking from the new YPP join Charlotte to introduce their cohort and the two themes that will guide their work: Decarbonisation and Levelling Up. Together, they explore some of the ways in which infrastructure relates to these themes and give examples from their own backgrounds. Sam introduces how sensing data could help to decarbonise infrastructure asset management, while Monica discusses the challenges of agreeing a precise definition for levelling up. Over the next couple of years, the YPP will be exploring these themes in more detail. Let us know which topics you would like to hear us discuss on infra[un]structured by getting in touch with us at [email protected]. To hear more about our other events, follow us on LinkedIn or sign up to our email newsletter. You can find more details about both of these at nic.org.uk/about/young-professionals-panel.

In episode eleven of infra[un]structured (recorded in early March), host Charlotte Mitchell of the National Infrastructure Commission's Young Professionals Panel talks all things railways and railway stations, and how these buildings, both large and small, shape places. She is joined by two guests: Anthony Dewar, Professional Head of Building and Architecture at Network Rail, who is also a member of the Commission's Design Group; and Mihir Benison, a Senior Planner at Arup, who sits on the Mayor of London's Young Professionals Panel. Together they discuss among other things why stations are sited where they are, how they contribute to shaping a 'place' (and vice versa), what determines the design of new railway buildings … and terrazzo floor tiles!

In episode ten of infra[un]structured, regular host Charlotte from the National Infrastructure Commission's Young Professionals Panel - discusses the challenge of creating a low-carbon economy in the UK and what that means for infrastructure. She is joined by Commissioner Professor Sir Tim Besley, and fellow YPP member Jenn Holgate, who is a lawyer for energy company Vattenfall. They discuss what the Net Zero carbon emissions goal means in practice, how cities are leading the way in reducing their carbon impacts, and look at the challenge of installing low-carbon heating and what we can learn from past experiences.

Embedding good design into major infrastructure projects creates an outcome that works well, looks good and enhances the quality of life for the people who use it. Host Charlotte Mitchell is joined by Chair of the National Infrastructure Design Group, Professor Sadie Morgan, and Sakthy Selvakumaran from the NIC's Young Professionals Panel. Together they discuss the new Design Principles for National Infrastructure, the importance of encouraging design innovation and how people-centred design helps connect citizens to where they live. You can find out more about the Design Principles here: http://bit.ly/2S0Ag95

Effective infrastructure is crucial to creating well-performing, liveable cities that people want to live and work in. Host Charlotte Mitchell is joined by National Infrastructure Commissioner member Bridget Rosewell, who has previously served as Chief Economic Advisor to the Greater London Authority from 2002-2012, and Young Professionals Panel member Petra Marko, of Marko & Placemakers, for 30 minutes of chat on UK cities and their infrastructure. The panel considers diverse city topics such as cycling, 'blue' and 'green' infrastructure, resilience, getting in and out of cities, and how city high streets evolve.

This episode considers the intersection of infrastructure, housing and design. Host Charlotte Mitchell is joined by Louise Wyman of Homes England, who is currently on secondment as Design Lead for the West Midlands Combined Authority, and Madeleine Kessler, an architect at Haptic Architects and member of the National Infrastructure Commission's Young Professionals Panel. Louise and Madeleine are also both members of the Commission's Design Group, chaired by Commissioner Professor Sadie Morgan. Charlotte, Louise and Madeleine consider a wide range of topics, including: why good infrastructure is crucial to overcoming local concerns about housing developments; the importance of an effective public realm to any new housing project; and the value of good design to creating infrastructure that enables liveable and sustainable communities.