The Future of Digital Place
9th September 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM BST
Brought to you by Creative Edinburgh and in partnership with Edinburgh Futures Institute, FutureGaze has been designed for those eager to explore the future of our creative industries and practices.
Hosted by Caroline Parkinson, Director of Creative for Edinburgh Futures Institute, each session features inspiring conversations with creative leaders who’ve driven innovation and transformation in their work—whether in business, the arts, academia, or beyond.
Together, we’ll explore what the future holds for the creative and cultural sector through their experiences and insights.
September’s Discussion: The Future of Digital Place
As artificial intelligence rapidly develops, it’s starting to shape how we design, plan and manage our cities and neighbourhoods. From using generative AI in the design process to applying data analytics to solve big challenges like climate change and urban growth — digital tools are playing an increasingly important role in shaping our built environment.
In this FutureGaze session, we’ll explore what the rise of AI means for the future of our streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces. We’ll ask:
- How might AI change the role of the designer?
- What could future ‘digital places’ look like?
- How can we make sure AI-powered planning is fair, inclusive and reflects the needs of all communities?
Join us for a forward-thinking conversation about technology, cities and the people who shape them.
Speaking Biographies
After graduating from The University of Edinburgh’s School of Architecture, he worked as an architect in public and private sector roles in Edinburgh, London and Glasgow with a focus on regeneration and community empowerment. In 1999, Ian joined the Scottish Government’s Architecture Policy Unit and was Chief Architect from 2006 until November 2023. During this period, he had a 6-month residency at WHALE Arts in 2019, supporting the development of the Wester Hailes Local Place Plan.
He then moved into the Scottish Government’s Digital Planning team to lead the Innovation and Digital place workstreams. He is currently on secondment from the Scottish Government as Head of Innovation and Digital Place at Architecture and Design Scotland. Ian has a long-standing involvement in architectural education and is currently an Honorary Professor in Architecture and Urban Planning at Dundee University.
Caroline is Director of Creative at Edinburgh Futures Institute, focusing on supporting innovation in data and creative technologies for the creative industries. Previously, she has led her own consultancy business, served as Director of Film, TV, Music, Creative Industries, Skills & Innovation in the early years of Creative Scotland, and before that, she was Director, Scotland & Northern Ireland for Creative & Cultural Skills.
Her early creative life included ballet and rhythmic gymnastics, fashion, singing in bands for over 30 years, and photography, becoming a professional photographer in 1999. She serves on the Board of Architecture & Design Scotland, and for 8 years has served in a voluntary capacity as Strategic Director and Presenter of the MOVE Summit, Scotland’s Animation and VFX Gathering.
About Creative Edinburgh
Creative Edinburgh is a registered Scottish Charity (SC052838) committed to helping creatives thrive. Through events, career support and advocacy, we bring together and help grow the city’s creative community, providing a space for creation, collaboration and connection at every stage of your career. Creative Edinburgh is supported by Creative Scotland as one of the Regularly Funded Organisations (RFOs).
To become a member of Creative Edinburgh, click here.
