Remembering Professor Michael Edwards

First as charismatic teacher, then colleague, collaborator, co-author, and throughout – a valued friend. Michael and Ziona devised an innovative course together set in London’s Somers Town. ‘Planning local sites with metropolitan change in mind’ covered pioneering scope, with the important questions it posed more relevant than ever than ever now. Their publication ‘The Family Friendly Office’ flagged issues surrounding sustainable work styles way before the Covid pandemic catalysed widespread acceptance of either ‘working from home’ or ‘working near home’. Michael referred anyone who expressed any interest in Post Occupancy Evaluation to ZZA. He was the most generous connector, mentor, enabler and critic. A great contributor, and deeply loyal and dear friend.

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Wellbeing in the work environment:
Post Occupancy Evaluation

ZZA has a backstory of work at Edinburgh Park. In its initial, car-borne phase, masterplanned by Richard Meier astride a loch, we did a Post Occupancy Evaluation of BT’s building designed by Bennetts Associates. Fast forward to the area now being developed by Parabola, the mixed use Phase 2 environment is served by a tram that stops at the doorstep to the newest office building designed by AHMM! Its occupants enjoy sustainable access, plus the wildflower meadow plus the plentiful artwork provided by Parabola. And the loch side assets remain in place affording restful views and refreshing walks. How do these features influence user wellbeing? ZZA’s current research with users in 1 New Park Square is finding out – results to follow.

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Built Environment Research Conference – Athens

A highly stimulating + instructive gathering of international colleagues to share our respective work. Ziona Strelitz hugely enjoyed learning from other researchers working at both building + urban scale, and presenting ZZA’s unique longitudinal research on students’ experience of LSE’s transforming campus. Plus the bonus of dialogue beyond the conference venue, walking + talking together through the Athens’ multi layers – historic + contemporary.

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Smithfield Birmingham – a new urban district

Lendlease, in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the Crown Estate, is developing the 17 hectare Smithfield area in the heart of the UK’s thrumming second city.

Conceived as Where Worlds Meet, the rich mixed use scheme comprises buildings for office, residential, markets, dining, other retail uses + events, arranged around a significant new city park. ZZA is supporting the team on positioning the master plan, identity + key buildings.

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2023

Maximising impact at KCL

ZZA’s assignments are typically short and incisive. In 2023 when Kings College London had acquired Bush House South West Wing, we were appointed to help define the building’s content, maximising its usage and impact. With such a valuable opportunity for the University to realise its strategic goals, we engaged with KCL people in wide-ranging pedagogic, transformational, incubator and cultural roles to leverage their perspectives and passions for a strategic student- and public-facing offer. Working iteratively with the Estates and Facilities team, diverse KCL staff, and the appointed architects KPF, we forged a stretching vision. Exciting now to see BHSSW shrink-wrapped as it undergoes the construction to realise the vision.

2026