In May 2023, the Ideas Exchange toured Cambridge with local architects’ 5th Studio and master-developers’ U+I and TOWN.
The walking tour started at Accordia, followed Hobson’s brook, through King’s Parade to the market square and ended at the Guildhall. The tour explored features found in local buildings, streets and parks that capture ‘Cambridgeness’, both in the fringes of the city and in its mediaeval core.
With one of the core project values being ‘Rooted in Cambridge’, the project places emphasis on capturing the distinctive essence of the city. 5th Studio’s work has identified aspects of the city that are distinctive of Cambridge. By drawing inspiration from these characteristics, the aim is to ensure that the new quarter aligns with and complements the overall character of the wider city.
Recruited in February 2022, the Ideas Exchange is a group of 18 people who live in North Cambridge, selected to reflect the demographic makeup of the local community. The Ideas Exchange meets online and in person to review and comment on the project vision and the evolving masterplan and associated strategies.