I was asked to write a think-piece on how we learn from experience. So I have started thinking! The process is ongoing, and I will share it when I have a draft ready. In the meantime, David Allen, former colleague and the founding director of Culpin Planning, is undertaking a major search for materials related to the Ismailia Demonstration Projects in Egypt and other Culpin projects. He asked me to make the additional materials available on the website for anyone who would like learn more from the experience. I am very happy to help with this – it complements the material that is already available here.

Why go back to old materials? Isn’t it better to look at the latest developments? My view is that we can only learn from urban developments by examining what has happened over time – sometimes a considerable time. When projects are new they are being actively promoted. Time allows for a more balanced view. For example, projects aimed at the poor often are taken over by higher income groups – but that process could be from the start or may take five or even twenty-five years. It is important to know not only the original aims but also how those ideas have worked out in practise.

Learning requires not only an understanding of what exists now, but also understanding of what the original designers were trying to do, and the context of politics and market that influences strongly what actually happens. The images show the Hai el Salam project at different stages of development.

Link to the Ismailia materials here.