South East Queensland as a City Region, and the question of how best to leave for future generations an Olympic Legacy that strengthens economies, cities and towns, rural areas, culture and the environment.

From 1984 cultural planning and development was directed at cultural facilities until preparation of the Cultural Olympiad in 1993 when a new cultural plan addressed living artists, creativity and wider cultural participation, and the emerging 'industries of culture'.

This covers planning for the Olympic Games, the renovation and creation of city spaces and parks and remodelling of the coastline under planning director Oriol Bohigas, who created a paradigm shift in city planning.

This article presents the lessons from a Brisbane Conversation event, including international models, and the outcomes from a follow-up Urban Design Charrette - held by the Urban Design Alliance, Queensland.

Article 1: An Introduction – The economy, design, sense of place, culture and social life of a region
John Montgomery and Kathi Holt with Preface by the Editor.

The first in a series of 12 articles from the Urban Design Alliance of Queensland who are thinking
proactively about the legacy the legacy the Games can bring to Brisbane and SE Queensland and having broader planning and urban design.

The 15-Minute City - is it helpful at the strategic city region level?