Overview
Commissioned by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), this research proposal and subsequent commission was a response to the LLDC’s call for evidence of best practice in developing and delivering interim use projects, that would allow them to devise their own interim use policy, programme and internal working methods in order to deliver successful interim uses within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP).
The research project presents examples of interim uses across the globe, with an evaluation of what was required to plan, design and deliver the projects in the ‘Precedent Atlas’, and also includes a ‘Methods Manual’ of best practice for interim use delivery in the context of the LLDC and their opportunity for the QEOP. This was based on our evaluation of the 50 case studies included in the ‘Precedent Atlas’.
Of the 50 case studies, 20 were compiled by Urban Research Projects, and 30 were compiled by other consultancy teams using the Urban research Projects template. Urban Research Projects edited and evaluated all case studies, and collated the research into a series of 7 books.
From personal experience of developing and delivering built environment projects within private, public and NGO’s sector, Lara Kinneir devised a template that I felt best recorded the type of information to allow readers to learn what was required to make the precedent projects happen, alongside what their effect was for clients, stakeholders and users, and the lessons learnt for the relevant parties. Evidence was gathered through desk top research, and having direct contact with clients, consultants, and users of the projects.The Precedent Atlas sets out new empirical material and analysis of practice that currently does not exist.
This was the first gathering of key evidence on interim uses, and evaluation of their development and delivery. The research provides a substantive evidence base, that is currently being applied to a number of situations, namely, the LLDC’s interim use policy, financial planning for delivery of interim uses and their overall approach to interim use delivery as opposed to more mainstream development delivery patterns.
The client of the research commission is currently using the research in the following ways: Public and political debate is being shaped and informed; including the challenging of established norms, modes of thought and practices. Research findings are being used by professional bodies to define best practice, formulate policy, and to lobby local government and other relevant stakeholders. Practitioner debate has been informed or stimulated by research findings.
This research was completed by Lara Kinneir, Director of Urban Research Projects. Assistant researcher to the project was Lee Wiltshire, Urban Researcher, employee from August 2012 – March 2013
