Chapman Taylor’s Catalina Ionita to lead Manchester Urban Design Walking Tour
Explore Castlefield's Past, Present, and Future on 25 July 2025
Manchester, UK – The Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) is set to host an engaging evening of urban discovery and networking this summer with the Manchester - Urban Design Walking Tour & Social on Friday, 25 July 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Catalina Ionita, Senior Architect at Dr. Chapman Taylor and a seasoned expert in urban regeneration and placemaking will lead the walking tour. With a PhD in urban design, Catalina brings a rich academic and practical perspective to the evolution of city landscapes. Attendees will explore Castlefield, one of Manchester’s most historically significant districts, known for its Roman roots, industrial legacy, and ongoing transformation into a vibrant contemporary neighbourhood.
The tour will delve into how Castlefield’s heritage assets are being integrated into the modern urban fabric, offering insights on public realm design, adaptive reuse, and sustainable development. Whether you're an industry professional, student, or simply an urban enthusiast, the evening promises a fresh look at how cities like Manchester continue to evolve.
The event kicks off at 6:00 PM at The Blackfriar Pub, with the walking tour beginning at 6:15 PM and lasting approximately one hour. Afterwards, guests will gather at The Wharf in Castlefield for informal networking over complimentary drinks and nibbles, providing the perfect setting to connect with fellow professionals from across the built environment sector.
Ticket Information:
Members: £17.50 + VAT
Non-members: £26.00 + VAT
Tickets are limited—early booking is recommended.
Booking and More Information: Visit fbeonline.co.uk for full event details and registration.
The route will explore key areas of Salford, the renowned Deansgate, and Castlefield—one of Manchester’s most significant heritage districts, renowned for its Roman origins, industrial legacy, and ongoing transformation into a vibrant, contemporary neighbourhood.
Catalina, a specialist in urban design and regeneration with a PhD in placemaking, brings a distinctive mix of academic insight and practical expertise. Her perspective will offer attendees a deeper understanding of how cities adapt and evolve in response to cultural, social, and environmental shifts.
The walk will highlight how Castlefield’s historical assets are being sensitively integrated into a modern, liveable cityscape. Topics covered will include public realm design, adaptive reuse, and sustainable development—making this a must-attend event for built environment professionals, students, and anyone with a passion for cities and how they’re shaped.
Ticket Information:
Members: £17.50 + VAT
Non-members: £26.00 + VAT
Tickets are limited—early booking is recommended.
Booking and more information: Visit fbeonline.co.uk for full event details and registration.