About Me
Hey, thanks for stopping by!
My name is JoJo Dorrington Ward. I am a Brighton-based Urban Designer and Chartered Town Planner.
I am interested in understanding the human experience in the places that we live, work and play. I want to understand what it feels like to move around and experience a place, and how we can design places to positively influence our health and wellbeing.
This website is an opportunity for me to record thoughts around urban research, urban design and town planning, to perhaps spark conversations, encourage knowledge sharing and ideas among people working in and living in the built environment.
Background
I have always had two core interests which have woven their way throughout my education and career:
Geography and Design.
This combination has given me a somewhat unique approach to Urban Design, which is underpinned by a strong understanding of geographical processes, urbanism and sustainability, and the interplay between people and our environments. I have always wanted to understand how things work, think creatively and solve problems.
As an Urban Designer, I have worked primarily on UK rail infrastructure projects, looking at the integration of rail infrastructure into the neighbouring context, through developing strategic development frameworks and consulting on multi-disciplinary designs. I have also developed residential and tourism-led masterplans in the Middle East.
Ethos
I am motivated by doing meaningful work that leaves a positive legacy.
I believe that good urban design stems from a strong understanding of place and community needs.
As designers and planners, we should visit the site, chat to local people, do as much research as possible before commencing design work, and engage with communities throughout the design process.
