5 minute read
Living Infrastructure: A digital approach to urban ecosystems
McGregor Coxall’s data-driven design philosophy seeks to transcend disciplinary silos in the built environment to address the complex interdependencies inherent in urban systems.
Planet Earth is a vast, intricate web of interconnected systems that sustain life. For millennia, humanity coexisted with these natural systems, our impact barely a whisper in the grand symphony of nature. However, industrialisation and urbanisation have dramatically altered our landscapes, introducing complex socioeconomic and environmental challenges that reverberate across cities worldwide.
With over half of the global population now residing in urban areas, cities have become the primary habitat for humanity. This rapid urbanisation has led to a host of challenges – pollution, habitat destruction, climate change and a rise in health issues ranging from respiratory ailments to mental health disorders. These challenges not only threaten urban populations’ well-being but also strain healthcare systems, energy resources and the resilience of both urban and natural environments.
Yet there is a growing realisation that cities and nature are not separate entities. A powerful shift in perspective is underway– one that seeks to restore and redefine the relationship between urban spaces and the ecosystems that sustain them. This vision emphasises the essential ecological services that underpin urban life, from air and water purification to climate regulation and mental health benefits.
Digital technologies are pivotal in helping us to realise this vision. Tools such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and data-driven design provide new insights that empower landscape practitioners to craft more resilient urban ecosystems. These technologies enhance decision-making, ensure design consistency and enable more efficient urban spaces. By harnessing these digital tools, we can develop integrated solutions to the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and public health, ensuring that our cities not only survive but thrive in harmony with nature.
The Biourbanism Lab, McGregor Coxall’s research and development arm, drives this vision forward through innovative research and data analytics. The lab’s approach transforms data into actionable insights that directly inform design decisions. By linking research and design through data and using custom key performance indicators (KPIs), the Biourbanism Lab bridges the gap between vision and implementation.
This data-driven design philosophy is embodied in McGregor Coxall’s Living Infrastructure Framework, a holistic approach that integrates natural systems within built environments. The framework is organised around four key areas: social health and wellbeing, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainable and green economy, and smart governance and delivery. Each area is supported by sublayers with custom KPIs, allowing the lab to evaluate and optimise design performance.
What sets this framework apart is its ability to transcend traditional silos within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. By cross-referencing data from diverse thematic areas, the Biourbanism Lab addresses the complex interdependencies inherent in urban systems. For instance, by examining the interplay between economic and ecological criteria, the lab uncovers insights into ‘Ecologic-Economics’ – exploring how economic activities and ecological health are intertwined in urban environments.
Central to this process is translating multidisciplinary inputs into a common language: data. This approach empowers stakeholders from various backgrounds to collaborate effectively, linking non-design disciplines to design tasks through a parametric approach. By moving away from isolated, discipline-specific practices, the Living Infrastructure Framework fosters a highly complex and interconnected system that informs every stage of the design process.
The practical application of this process begins with data gathering, facilitated by the Living Infrastructure platform – an innovative in-house tool developed by the Biourbanism Lab. This platform aggregates data from various official and open-source datasets, including Ordnance Survey, Landsat 9 and DEFRA among others, integrating them into a unified model. However, the platform’s capabilities extend beyond data collection. It implements a sophisticated knowledge graph that establishes interconnections between data points based on the Living Infrastructure Framework. Each data point is categorised and weighted according to McGregor Coxall’s extensive project experience, ensuring the data reflects the nuanced realities of social, cultural and environmental contexts.
This curated data is then utilised in two models available to designers: a 3D analytical model that visualises the results of all analyses and a 2D categorical model that organises data according to the Living Infrastructure categories and subcategories. These models enable designers to make informed decisions and establish a solid foundation for project development.
One of the most effective methodologies employed by McGregor Coxall is the Multiple Objective Evolutive Algorithm (MOEA). This advanced algorithmic approach optimises design scenarios based on project goals, stakeholder input and Living Infrastructure KPIs. By clearly defining project objectives and their relative importance, the MOEA generates design options that align with broader goals.
This holistic approach ensures that every design scenario is rooted in a deep understanding of the complex interrelationships within urban ecosystems. By leveraging the power of data and digital technologies, McGregor Coxall is charting a new path forward –one where cities and nature coexist in harmony and where urban development contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Michael Cowdy is the UK Founder and Director of McGregor Coxall and a Fellow of the Landscape Institute.
Jorge Sainz de Aja Curbelo is the UK Biourbanism Lead at McGregor Coxall and holds a PhD in data-driven urban regeneration strategies.
