As I pondered possible themes and topics for this half year report, I cast an eye over the events we have held in the first six months of 2025 and began to think about what linked them, and how they characterise what the Forum aims to do.
The roster - which has included events almost every month - covered a fascinating spectrum that provided us with an architectural ‘electrocardiogram’ of the City, and its ever-changing nature. Together, they describe the ‘heartbeat’ of the Square Mile*.
What does that tell us about the health and future of the City? That there is much to be optimistic about in terms of its continued growth and relevance. Indeed, this is the tone of the draft City Plan 2040 – essentially the City of London Corporation's development manifesto for the next 15 years – which speaks of how the City intends to respond to the evolving workplace, and the need to address issues of diversity, sustainability and opportunity.
City Plan 2040 recognises that cities need to have a mixed and vibrant offering - with residential, arts and culture and community spaces alongside places of work - for them to not only to be desirable for those who work here but also a ‘destination’ for visitors and tourists alike. We are witnessing this change and shift taking place ‘live’ and, through our events, we give you access to and visibility of these developments.
This, for me, is the great attraction of the City Architecture Forum - it stays close to ‘place’, it reads its ‘heartbeat’, and provides us with a continuous and compelling commentary on the constant evolution of the City and those that shape it.
We are afforded privileged glimpses of the future and cherished views of the past. We are connected to this intriguing organism and our mission is to share this with you through our own particular melange of fireside chats, panel discussions, talks, and building tours and visits.
We recognise the need to keep our organisation evolving, so the second half of the year will see us trialling a new programme of member-only dinners, featuring interviews and conversations with prominent industry figures, and a website refresh in Q3 - which we hope will provide better access to the Forum’s events and membership information. Much to look forward to over the next six months!
David Magyar – Hon Sec
Read our LinkedIn article for a full account of the events of the last 6 months.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7333031724773249024
