How can we reimagine a better London for all, a 24-hour city that is future-proof and equipped to adapt and thrive in the face of immense challenges?

This is the question raised by the NLA in their new major ideas competition, Reimagine London. Publica CIC’s proposal, ‘Her, Their, Everywhere: Reclaiming The City As a Feminist Laboratory’ creatively rethinks the experience of the city by centring the experiences of women, girls and gender diverse people in a pioneering vision for London’s public realm.

Informed by two decades of evidenced-based research on gaps in urban planning, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, ‘Her, Their, Everywhere: Reclaiming The City As a Feminist Laboratory’ is a participatory cross-sector campaign that takes over the city by asking women, girls and gender diverse people to set a vision for an inclusive city, analysing the issues, and transforming London’s public spaces.

The initiative comprises three interventions: urban observatories for data gathering, imagination laboratories crafting visions for an inclusive city, and demonstrator projects to place women’s safety at the core of urban design for the whole capital. Under-represented and marginalised voices will lead, empowering women to shape their environments, reflective of the rich and diverse population of London and creating an inclusive and accessible London for future generations.

Why is this important?

Gender-based violence has been declared a national emergency in England and Wales. Only 20% of girls and women in the UK feel safe to be outside and alone, and 82% of women feel unsafe walking after dark. This reinforces the urgent need to address the issue of gender safety, including recognising the crucial role the built environment plays in shaping women, girls’ and gender diverse people’s perception and lived experiences of safety in London.

Creating public spaces where women, girls and gender diverse individuals feel they belong, can thrive, and are free from intimidation, harassment and violence is fundamental to that ambition. Publica CIC’s initiative champions a holistic wellbeing approach for active lives by linking physical safety to mental health, creativity, and engagement. It also provides an exemplary toolkit and training for places and public realm designers across London, guiding them to create a city for all.