Dr Robert Harland and Dr Taimaz Larimian welcome attendees at The Impact Hub official launch
The TOWN Observatory was officially launched on 10 April 2025 at a hybrid event held at Loughborough University, School of Design and Creative Arts. The session, hosted by The Impact Hub team, brought together urban researchers, community partners, and leading academics in digital mapping and spatial research.
In the opening remarks, Dr Robert Harland and Dr Taimaz Larimian welcomed attendees and introduced the project overview, its primary objectives, and the team members. Following this, Dr Aline Fernandes Barata provided an overview of the TOWN Observatory’s vision and structure. She outlined the broader research team, described the sub-projects (seedcorn, scoping, and the PhD projects), and explained how these initiatives contribute to the TOWN Observatory’s development.
The Impact Team share their insights into the creation of the TOWN Observatory
Each of the four platforms was then presented by the members of the research team. Colouring Loughborough, presented by Dr Taimaz Larimian and Mihyun Kim, Loughborough in Motion, presented by Mohamed Mahmoud (with Asya Natapov online), Loughborough Stories, presented by Dr Cristina Goldschmidt Kiminami and Alison Moss, and finally, Chat Loughborough, introduced by Dr Haitao He.
As the formal presentations about the TOWN Observatory concluded, Dr Harland outlined the next steps for the project. This was followed by inviting the audience into a Q&A session about the potential of digital urban observatories.
After a short break and refreshments, the session was resumed with a series of expert presentations chaired by Dr Harland. Leading academics and professionals in digital mapping and spatial research joined explore the wider implications of digital urban observatories. Professor Michael Batty (University College London) discussed how digital observatories can be leveraged as drivers for change. Polly Hudson (The Alan Turing Institute) shared insights into how the urban scale of economic, cultural and social activities can be mapped. Professor Sam Jacoby (Royal College of Art) focused on the interface between digital mapping and the lived experience. Finally, Professor Stuart Dunn (King’s College London) further discussed digital mapping, spatial humanities and future opportunities.
Leading academics and practitioners share insights into the role of digital platforms for urban observatories
Following the expert presentations, the event culminated in a roundtable discussion. Speakers and audience members reflected on the broader implications of their presentations in light of the TOWN Observatory’s aims. This sparked a dynamic exchange between all in attendance, sharing perspectives on the potential for digital platforms to bridge local knowledge with institutional planning and foster more transparent, inclusive governance.
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Event review by Cristina Goldschmidt-Kiminami and Pegah Aftabi