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Exploring sustainable urban living through a programme of events and activities
Themes:
Young people and communities
Sustainable communities and place making
Housing
Planning |
Focus:
Exploring sustainable urban living through a programme of events and activities |
Background:
Sustainability is topical issue. Many people are interested in adopting a greener lifestyle and are seeking advice on how to do so. The South West region has a well established and knowledgeable ‘green’ network with a keen interest in sustainable urban living. The Architecture Centre, Bristol sought to create a cohesive programme of activity that would inform and engage both the public and a professional audience. Recognising that few people have the opportunity to build their own house, the aim was to provide accessible and practical information on design and renovation, provide live experiences of local examples, showcase exemplary design practice and initiate discussion that could inform people’s own homes or new design schemes. |
What happened:
A season of events, ‘Spring Green’, was devised working in partnership with local architects and other experts specialising in sustainable living. To feature in the programme design schemes had to be award-winning and innovative, and had to meet high standards of environmental sustainability. Case studies were chosen either because they were located in the South West region or because they were designed by a local practice so were perceived as relevant to the Centre’s audience. Leaders in green architecture gave a number of talks, and a debate was held on eco-renovation, which considered current issues and trends. Two exhibitions explored design for sustainable living: ‘Greenprint’ focussed on new build, and ‘Eco-renovation in Bristol’ looked at the adaptation of existing housing stock. Fact sheets were produced to accompany both exhibitions. A tour by an architect of one of the case study houses gave insight into and explanations of practical renovations that improved the home’s environmental performance. In addition, a one-day eco-interiors course provided practical information on how to design an environmentally friendly living space, including advice on how to source and use eco-friendly materials, paints, fixtures and fittings. |
Who was involved:
The Architecture Centre, Bristol
Partners
Architype
Bristol City Council Sustainable City Team
CREATE Centre and Ecohome
Feilden Clegg Bradley
The Green Register
Greenheart
MM.ad architects
Natural Decorating Company
White Design
Will Anderson / Green Books.
Funders
CABE (as part of the Regional Programme)
Bristol City Council
Buro Happold
Feilden Clegg Bradley
Westmark Developments. |
The difference it made:
The series of events attracted great interest from the public and professionals: nearly all the events were sold out, the exhibitions were extended and there was huge demand for supplementary information. The material presented was accessible, relevant and provided achievable solutions, and therefore was of interest to a wide audience. The Spring Green season appealed to well established local support networks for green issues, due in part to the difficulties in obtaining up-to-date information in this ever-evolving sector. The programme served to strengthen the existing role of the Architecture Centre within the ‘green’ community. The momentum of this season of events, combined with a cohesive marketing strategy, encouraged block bookings and contributed to exceptional media interest and coverage. |
What they said:
“Inspiring. I learnt a lot about sustainability and associated technologies…It was enlightening to know the role of community and sharing infrastructure in sustainable design…Good practical tips on eco building.”
(Responses to the talks)
“Very useful information as we have a house needing updating…Lots of useful practical information…Great introduction to the issues and complexities…Very informative [eco-interiors course]. Great to see the different materials and be given a list of suppliers.”
(Responses to the debate and course)
“A thought-provoking space. Excellent selection of resources that I shall be following up…We need to see exhibitions like that to feel that building your own eco-home is actually possible…A really useful exhibition to provide case studies that are encouraging more responsible development.”
(Responses to the exhibitions) |
Future possibilities:
The Architecture Centre plans to build on the success of this initial Spring Green season and to hold a similar programme of events each year to explore other areas of sustainable design, such as schools and sustainable neighbourhoods / cities. The ‘Eco-renovation’ exhibition has been relocated to the Ecohome at the CREATE Centre (run by Bristol City Council) and is now part of a permanent exhibit. The Greenprint exhibition is available to tour, and is moving first to The Architecture Centre for Devon and Cornwall. The Centre will continue to develop its relationships with local architects and is planning to develop a ‘green database’ to promote cross-professional working opportunities. |
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More information:
www.architecturecentre.co.uk
Fact sheets to accompany Greenprint and Eco-renovation exhibitions available on request |
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Themes
regeneration
design quality and innovation
planning
sustainable communities and place making
young people and communities
climate change
housing |
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