Making Connections
Join us at Foster + Partners for a lecture by Spencer de Grey looking at case studies Slussen, Millenium Bridge, and Trafalgar Square
Date: Tuesday 23 September 2025
Time: 18:00 for 18:30 start
Location: Foster + Partners campus, Battersea
As the Millennium Bridge marks its 25th anniversary, Spencer de Grey reflects on how this footbridge created a vital new link between St Paul’s and Tate Modern – stitching together the cultural and spatial fabric of the city. From this starting point, the lecture explores the broader theme of urban connections, drawing on Foster + Partners’ work, such as the transformation of Trafalgar Square from a traffic-dominated space into a dignified civic setting. Through these case studies, Spencer will discuss the role of design in reclaiming public space, enhancing walkability, and reinforcing a city’s cultural and civic identity.
Doors will open to the lecture space at 18:00 with the lecture commencing at 18:30. Following the lecture there will be a discussion led by Young Urbanists Sebastian Bielski and Marta Saniewska. Sebastian is an Urban Planner at Foster + Partners with a background in spatial analysis and strategic planning and Marta Saniewska is an Environmental Psychologist at Foster + Partners with a background in psychology and urban studies. The evening will conclude with a social and networking hour for all attendees.
Spencer de Grey
Spencer de Grey shares responsibility for Foster + Partners’ projects as joint head of design, a key member of the Design Board and the Management Board. He studied architecture at Cambridge University under Sir Leslie Martin. On graduating in 1969 he worked for the London Borough of Merton, being responsible for one of the first Middle schools in the country. Sustainability is one of his key areas of interest. He has led the design of many cultural and urban projects including the Great Court, British Museum, HM Treasury, Imperial College masterplan, Trafalgar Square pedestrianisation and Slussen masterplan taking shape in the centre of Stockholm.
The Making Connections lecture is hosted by Foster + Partners.
Foster + Partners staff should contact Seb ([email protected]) to register for this event.
