Building the Unbuilt

How can we experience a place before it exists? David Edge and Henry Harris from Arup's Experiential Environments practice explore how technologies developed through film, gaming and immersive environments are transforming the way we design, communicate and engage around the built environment.

At the heart of this approach is Arup's Experience Lab, a shared environment where clients, communities and project teams can come together to explore future proposals through immersive visualisation, interactive simulations and digital engagement tools. By creating shared understanding before projects are built, these technologies help test ideas, build consensus and support better decisions about how places will look, feel, function and be experienced.

Our speakers

David Edge is an Associate Director at Arup and leader of the Experiential Environments practice. Over a 25-year career, he has led the visualisation and communication of some of the UK's most significant infrastructure programs, including London 2012 Olympic Park, HS2 and other major rail, water and energy developments. Recognised for his expertise in EIA visualisation, stakeholder engagement and immersive technologies, David helps clients communicate complex projects, reduce risk and build understanding through trusted, evidence-based visualisation.

Henry Harris is an Associate Director at Arup, working with teams across the organisation and beyond to bring projects to life. He has introduced new approaches and technologies to consultations for Heathrow, HS2, Thames Water, National Grid and National Highways, using interactive, immersive experiences to communicate design proposals, engage audiences and improve outcomes on major infrastructure projects. He has also led on inclusive design projects, helping clients communicate their approaches to governments and city leaders globally.

Header image credit: © Phimwilai | Adobe Stock