The Leeds Society of Architects in conjunctions with Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Civic Trust, and the RIBA, are excited to announce the return of the popular 4 x 4 talk series for 2024 (2024 x 4) due to be held across four Thursday evenings in February.
Each evening will be chaired by an expert host, who will lead Q&A sessions with the presenters following each presentation, encouraging conversation around architecture, urban design, the arts, culture and sustainability.
The talks will start from 5:30pm and last for approximately two hours, we ask attendees to arrive from 5:15pm. There will also be an opportunity for networking and discussion following the event in the venue's bar until 8:45pm, which we invite everyone to enjoy.
Week 2: Leeds, a developing city
Chair: Martin Wainwright (Former northern editor of The Guardian)
Martin Wainwright was northern editor of The Guardian from 1996 to 2013 based in his native city, Leeds. He was born and bred in Tinshill and moved to Adel as a teenager before working as a journalist in Bath, Bradford, and London. He was president of Leeds Civic Trust and a keen participant in earlier 4x4s.
Speakers:
Martin Burgess (Former Leeds city council design team lead)
Mark is an architect, planner and urban designer with over 30 years’ experience in public and private sectors – largely retired, but still enjoying working as part-time lecturer/tutor on post graduate urban design course at Leeds Beckett University. Previously (to end of 2020) working full-time as group manager/ design team leader at Leeds city council.
John Rhodes (Senior design principal and director of sport and entertainment for HOK)
John is an award-winning architect who has experience of leading a multi-disciplinary design team on a large variety of projects including various arena and performance venues. He has led the design of several recent high-profile successful mega event bids including the recent Dubai 2020 World Expo bid masterplan and the Birmingham 2022 Common Wealth Games bid.
Liz Minkin (Former Leeds city councillor )
Liz Minkin served as a Labour councillor from 1988-2008 representing Kirkstall Ward. She had a particular focus on the built environment and the virtues of high-quality design and was a key player in the transformation of Leeds into the vibrant place we see today.
Karen Stafeckis, (Head of development (north) at CEG)
Karen is Head of Development North for CEG and has experience of delivering sustainable development on complex brownfield sites. Karen leads CEGs strategy on sustainable buildings and is a Commissioner with the Leeds Climate Commission, supporting the city to achieve its net zero carbon ambitions.
