Building Design Northern (BDN) are joining an expert line-up of voices at an event that will explore how people will live, work and play in cities in the future.

Dr. Faye Sedgewick, KTP Associate and Architect at Building Design Northern (BDN) will join the Healthy Homes and Lifestyles Panel at Expo Sunderland’s Delivering Future Cities Forum, a high profile event that marks the start of an events programme that will showcase the transforming Riverside Sunderland quarter and learnings from this ambitious regeneration.

The two-day invite-only showcase will see Dr. Faye Sedgewick join luminaries in fields comprising built environment, technology and education, to share insight on how cities will adapt and develop to respond to the changing needs of the people who use them.

Chaired by BBC Home Affairs Editor Mark Easton, the Forum takes place on October 17 and 18 at Sunderland’s City Hall. More than 150 guests will hear from expert speakers including Peter Freeman, Chair at Homes England, John Tatham, Finance & Investment Director at Places for People and Dr. Faye Sedgewick, KTP Associate and Architectural Designer at BDN.

The Forum will provide a 360-degree view of regeneration, exploring the different facets of a city that contribute to creating equitable, thriving and sustainable destinations.

Joined by representatives from BDN, BRE Group, Velux, Newcastle University and MOBIE, the Healthy Homes and Lifestyles Panel will explore how to create homes for all that address societal needs now and in the future – a topic that BDN are actively exploring through their Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Northumbria University.

Dr. Faye Sedgewick, KTP Associate and Architect at BDN, said, “I am delighted to join the Healthy Homes and Lifestyles Panel at the Delivering Future Cities Forum at Expo Sunderland.

“At BDN, we are actively embedding contemporary research into our architectural design to further enhance advancements and impact within the ageing sector so it is great to see events in our region, like Expo Sunderland, where we can raise awareness and provide inspiration and insight into future-proofed, longevity housing.”

Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming an exemplary line-up of contributors to this Forum, which will provide a rich and compelling exploration of how cities can and should function and the opportunities that will create for people to live, work and play in new and different ways.

“The event will bring together leaders who champion innovation, drive growth, challenge and share best practice in building the cities of our future and positions Sunderland as the exemplar it is – a place that is increasingly recognised nationally as leading the way when it comes to regeneration thanks to exceptional partnerships and collaborative working.

“The event is based around a number of themes including sustainable communities, smart cites, healthy homes and lifestyles and upskilling future talent, and will provide insight, inspiration and showcase best practice in strategic place-based regeneration, as well as demonstrating how effective partnerships across the regeneration ecosystem allow places and industry to thrive.”