Highlights From CREtech London

Nowhere else is the juxtaposition of modern living and history more evident than in the streets of the cities in Europe. There is something about the history of a place that just shines differently there. This history is one of the many reasons our annual trip to CREtech London is one of my favorite work weeks during the year.  

Perhaps one of the most evident examples of the juxtaposition is the city’s intermingled architectural styles. While admiring the literally seamless transitions from one style to the next, and speaking with an architect in the city, they brought up a point that should have been abundantly clear – though I had not thought of it previously. Part of the reason that so many types of architecture are intertwined, even in buildings attached to one another, is due to WWII, when bombings demolished certain buildings, blocks, and neighborhoods in the city, leaving adjacent areas unmarred. The facades serve as a reminder that architecture really is a form of living history. 

Layer on top of these architectural intricacies the rich building design and placemaking – whether it be florals, artwork, uplighting, or green building facades – and evident care taken to activate spaces, and you could wander around for hours just enjoying the streets. I always find myself leaving London and feeling shame we don’t pay the same attention to detail in the US.

And while the architectural details and history are reason enough to go back year after year, I find the greatest benefit is seeing and hearing what’s taking place in Europe in proptech and climatetech, where it seems they are far ahead of the United States. At CREtech, global and European leaders in the space convene to address industry challenges, enhance our workflows, and improve the planet. Lisa Nickerson had the privilege of speaking with Faisal Butt of PiLabs to discuss where and how his firm invests capital in the proptech space, and the lessons he’s learned over a decade of investing. We heard about the master planning of Earl’s Court, which will create a new neighborhood with office, residential, and retail, and will include a 4.5 acre park – the centerpiece of the development.

And perhaps most inspiring was Juliette Morgan of Gensler, who discussed our need to end our notion of sustainability as an add-on or benefit, and instead lean into designing with and for the earth as our primary focus.

CREtech also feels like a reunion of sorts, where we reconnect with industry peers, and add to our fraternity. Year after year, our dedicated group comes together in an effort to move the built environment forward, modernizing our approaches while learning from the past. The conversations are lively and invigorating and serve as a reminder that both small and large changes can have a substantial impact on the future of our planet, and our sense of place. Once again, Michael Beckerman, Lindsey Imperatore, and the rest of the CREtech team put on an inspiring event to remember.