About
PLACE LOGIC uses network analysis software to produce computer-generated maps which bring out the underlying forces which shape our towns and cities, all of which have a major impact on the quality of the urban environment.
Unlike other modelling systems which rely on costly and time- consuming data-collection, PLACE LOGIC uses readily available maps as source material and provides outputs quickly and economically. These can be used as stand-alone media or as explanatory aids in more complex models.
The principle behind PLACE LOGIC is that successful places depend on two important and inter-related factors: a logical movement network and an appropriate distribution of functions. Towns and cities are highly complex entities and case studies have demonstrated that there is a remarkably close correlation between connectivity and viability, so explaining why some places ‘work,’ and others do not.
Origins
While teaching urban design at the University of Strathclyde Robert Adam was introduced to an urban network analysis system known as Multiple Centrality Assessment (MCA). This was brought into the course by the principal, Sergio Porta, who had been part of an international academic group that had been developing the software and processes for some years.
It was clear from the studies presented by students that this was a very powerful methodology for the understanding of urban networks and for testing the effectiveness of proposed changes. Robert introduced the program to ADAM Urbanism and it was developed as a research project entitled PLACE LOGIC to enhance its application to urban design projects.
PLACE LOGIC is now incorporated as its own company which utilises MCA and other analytical tools to understand existing urban development and help to inform future development patterns. The purpose of PLACE LOGIC is to help establish more walkable communities that facilitate sustainable lifestyles.
The Team
Hugh Petter BA(HONS) DIPL ARCH RIBA FRSA
Director
Hugh Petter is a recognised authority on classical architecture and urban design. Hugh is a Director of PLACE LOGIC and is a Director of ADAM Architecture. With 20 years’ experience, Hugh has a broad portfolio of completed work that includes new buildings and alterations, extensions and repairs to historic properties, as well as design consultancy and masterplanning. After graduating with Distinction from Portsmouth School of Architecture in 1990, Hugh won Rome Scholarships in 1990 and 1991 before returning to London in 1992 to establish the Foundation Course at The Prince of Wales’s Institute of Architecture where he served as Senior Tutor for six years.
Robbie Kerr MA(Hons), DIPL ARCH, FRSA, RIBA, ARB
Director
Robbie Kerr is a Director of PLACE LOGIC and has been a Director of ADAM Architecture since 2016, after joining in 2010. He is an architect and urban designer. His work includes new buildings; alterations, extensions, and repairs to historic properties; and master planning and new housing developments. Robbie works on the design as well as the delivery of housing projects, working in partnership with the team from conception to completion on site. Robbie is becoming a significant contributor to the development of design codes, architecture debates and the principles of holistic sustainability, communities and contextual places.
Peter Critoph BA (HONS) DIP RIBA
Associate Director
Peter Critoph is Associate Director for PLACE LOGIC and for ADAM Urbanism, the urban design and master planning branch of ADAM Architecture. Peter specialises in urban design and masterplanning work and plays an important role in the new urban design projects from major urban extensions to new villages, village extensions and commercial housing developments.
Mark White OBE BSc MA
Manager - Operations
Mark has been responsible for facilitating the advancement of PLACE LOGIC since its launch in 2014 and has a keen interest in enhancing the quality of the service which PLACE LOGIC provides to its clients. Since 2013 he has also been the Practice Manager of ADAM Architecture, a role he began following a full career in the Royal Navy. Aside from considerable sea time in his early years, later appointments included serving in HMY Britannia, leading a staff division at the Defence Academy, serving in a variety of operational headquarters at home and abroad and developing maritime tactics and training in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Hal Mellen BSc MPlan
Manager - Technical Development
Alongside leading client engagement, Hal is responsible for technical development which includes monitoring and improving the performance of existing methods of analysis, in addition to exploring new ones.
In tandem with his role at PLACE LOGIC, Hal works within the Urbanism team at ADAM Architecture where he also holds the position of Deputy Sustainability Lead. His understanding of the relationship between the built environment and human behaviour and holistic thinking around sustainability feed into and enhance his work.
Alessandro Venerandi BSc MSc MRes EngD
Senior Spatial Analyst - Technical Development.
Alessandro Venerandi is a KTP associate at the Urban Design Studies Unit (UDSU), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (UK) and ADAM Urbanism, Winchester (UK). He has a doctorate in Urban Sustainability and Resilience from the University College London (UK). He is an experienced researcher in the field of urban analytics in both professional and academic environments. He is the main author and co-author in several books and peer-reviewed research articles, featured in top journals and conferences. His research focuses on what the ‘good’ city form is, by investigating the relationship between physical aspects of the urban environment, sustainability, socioeconomics, and well-being of city dwellers.
Nichole Harkins BA(HONS)
PR and Marketing Assistant
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