On Thursday 25 January Milton Keynes Gallery held the first in its four-part series of  What is Contemporary Architecture? talks on architecture, city planning and the urban environment, presented in conjunction with the inaugural exhibition1 at Milton Keynes Gallery Project Space2.

Michael Edwards3 drew a packed audience with his provocatively entitled talk What went wrong at Milton Keynes?  He was well placed to speak, having worked in his first job on the original master plan for Milton Keynes and watched the development of the town which, in his opinion, has led to a much less sustainable place than could (and should) have emerged.

During his illustrated talk Edwards argued that it is not too late for Milton Keynes , and that a number of policy changes could turn the story round, leading to better bus services, stronger local shopping, more housing diversity and an end to getting lost on the grid.  The talk was an updated version of an article first published in the Journal of Urban Design entitled City Design: what went wrong at Milton Keynes? – which can be downloaded from Edwards’ weblog at www.michaeledwards.org.uk.

The event concluded with a lively question and answer session from a cross-section of the audience, which comprised both specialists and non-specialists alike, some of which is reflected in Edwards’ weblog, together with follow up comments. 

Speaking of the success of the first talk, Victoria Mayes, Milton Keynes Gallery’s Offsite and Outreach Education Co-ordinator said: “These talks are designed to contribute to the current consultation, discussion and debate on art, architecture and the urban environment in the context of the Milton Keynes growth agenda.  We are thrilled by the response to this first event and look forward to welcoming many more people to hear the other distinguished speakers in the series.”

The next talk on 15 February entitled Ten Trees per Person: the Blessing and Curse of New Town Greenery promises to be equally stimulating.  The talk series4 continues at Milton Keynes Gallery at 7pm on Thursdays 15 & 22 February and 8 March.  Tickets are free, but must be pre-booked by ringing 01908 676 900 during gallery opening hours.

For more information on Milton Keynes Gallery visit www.mk-g.org.