Act Now, Climate, Climate Emergency, News, Wellness

Green Grads Hub At Heal’s

Thanks to the generosity of developers General Projects and investors KKR, over 50 GREEN GRADS –  the cohort of 2023 – will take over a huge floor of the newly refurbished Heal’s Building over the first weekend of the London Design Festival in September. Partners in this amazing enterprise are Heal’s themselves, now in a glamorous new space on the ground and lower ground floors. London’s most iconic furnishing store has enthusiastically backed GREEN GRADS since its inception three years ago.

“Inspiring and empowering a new generation of designers and creatives from all disciplines is of vital importance to our future world. GREEN GRADS does exactly that.” 

Paul Priestman, founder and former director of design agency PriestmanGoode

Anticipate a showcase of groundbreaking innovations in 2023, including a chair ingeniously crafted from seaweed, textiles adorned with printed bacteria, and an array of pioneering bio-materials. The creative exploration of repurposed materials yields exceptional results, exemplified by furniture and utensils ingeniously crafted from discarded denim. Additionally, awe-inspiring chandeliers, fashioned from reclaimed bottles sourced from London’s refuse.

Alice Coomber GREEN GRAD 23
Alice Coomber GREEN GRAD 23

This marks the third prominent appearance of GREEN GRADS at the London Design Festival, building upon the success of prior exhibitions which drew over 2,000 attendees during single weekends.

GREEN GRADS has also showcased at events like GRAND DESIGNS LIVE at ExCel, ARTEFACT at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour (graced by their headline sponsors), and the GNCCF in Manchester (with another forthcoming exhibition in October).

At Heal’s, there will also be a display of alumni 2021 and 2022 who now have projects making a difference in the real world.

“GREEN GRADS is an inarguable double whammy: promoting new talent and the environment at one and the same time.” 

Barbara Chandler, founder/curator GREEN GRADS
Henry Davison GREEN GRAD 2023
Henry Davison GREEN GRAD 2023

Visitors to this event will be immersed, offering not only the innovation of GREEN GRADS and their solutions for the future but also a diverse program of seminars and engaging hands-on workshops. Admission to GREEN GRADS is open to all, with no entry fee.

Act Now, Change, Climate, Climate Emergency, Future, Materials, New Products, News, Wellness

Ecowind’s Breakthrough: Austria Welcomes First Floating Solar Farm

Austria’s debut into the realm of renewable energy took an innovative turn with the introduction of its inaugural floating power plant. This pioneering venture showcases the nation’s commitment to harnessing the potential of its water bodies for sustainable energy generation.

The panels are strategically positioned on the water’s surface, optimizing sunlight absorption while concurrently reducing land usage. This dual advantage is a testament to Austria’s dedication to both green energy and responsible land management.

Floating-Solar-ECOwind

Spanning around 14 hectares, the floating photovoltaic (PV) system located in Grafenworth has been ingeniously constructed atop the water’s expanse in a former sand and gravel pit.

The floating power plant not only diversifies Austria’s energy portfolio but also contributes to its climate goals by curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction of water evaporation due to the panels’ shade further underscores the project’s ecological mindfulness.

Furthermore, the project has socio-economic implications. It not only stimulates local employment during construction and maintenance but also provides educational opportunities and promotes research and development in the renewable energy sector.

Austria’s maiden floating power plant not only signifies a crucial step towards a sustainable future but also positions the country as an innovator in the renewable energy arena. By embracing such groundbreaking technologies, Austria inspires not only its citizens but also the global community to explore uncharted waters in the pursuit of cleaner energy alternatives.

Act Now, Change, Climate, Climate Emergency, Featured, Materials, News, Sustainability, Wellness

Bristol’s Pioneering Wind Turbine Project

The Bristol community’s remarkable achievement in securing funding and building the tallest wind turbine stands as a testament to the power of collective action and a shared commitment to sustainability. In an era where renewable energy is becoming increasingly crucial in the fight against climate change, their accomplishment of Ambition Community Energy CIC represents a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The story begins with a passionate group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a common vision to make a positive impact on their community and the environment. Recognising the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, they embarked on a journey to harness the potential of wind energy. Through tireless efforts, community outreach, and collaboration with local authorities and environmental organisations, they were able to rally support and secure the necessary funding.

The towering wind turbine, which now graces Bristol’s skyline, not only generates an impressive amount of clean energy but also serves as an iconic symbol of the city’s dedication to renewable technologies. Its construction only reduces the community’s carbon footprint but also inspires neighboring regions and cities to follow suit in their pursuit of sustainable solutions.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the project has had a significant economic impact on the community. Local contractors and skilled workers are employed, creating jobs and fostering a sense of pride in contributing to a sustainable future. Furthermore, the surplus energy generated by the turbine has the potential to be sold back to the grid, generating additional revenue to reinvest in other community-driven initiatives.

The Bristol community’s achievement demonstrates the power of grassroots efforts and how individuals, when united by a common goal, can overcome challenges and bring about positive change. By embracing renewable energy sources like wind power, they are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future while setting an example for other communities.

During Construction

As the tallest wind turbine takes its place on the horizon, the Bristol community’s success story will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to pursue their visions of a cleaner, greener world. It serves as a reminder that a single idea, backed by passion and determination, can transform a community and leave a lasting impact on the planet for generations to come.

Ambition Community Energy CIC was created as an offshoot of Ambition Lawrence Weston. Ambition Lawrence Weston (ALW) is a grassroots, resident-led and driven development trust, registered charity and company. It was founded by local residents in 2012, to deliver their Community Plan that brings together the aspirations of over 1,200 residents who responded and gave their views.

biodiversity, Biotechnology, Change, Cities, Climate, Climate Emergency, Community, Film, News, science, Sustainability, Waste

The Farm Under The City

Commissioned by Quorn Foods – Jordan Carroll, Brett Chapman & Lewis Coates set out to tell the story of Leaf & Shoot.

A vertical bioponic farm in the heart of industrial Sheffield. It’s a 10 minute film following Luke, as he aims to make our system around food waste more sustainable. Delivering fresh produce with his electric cargo bike across the city.

Act Now, Animation, Architecture, Art, Art films, Bridges, Change, Cities, City, Climate, Climate Emergency, Community, Culture, Dance, Documentary, Film, Filmmaking, Future, Media, Music, Nature, News, Podcast, Research, science, Sound, Wellness

Time Bascule a Film by Di Mainstone

This weekend (Sat 22nd & Sunday 23rd July)  “Time Bascule”, is being screened at the Scoop Cinema – an amphitheater just a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge. Her film was commissioned by Tower Bridge to celebrate its 125th Anniversary and will be looping every hour between 12:00-18:00 over the weekend as part of a free festival called In a Field by a Bridge, which brings together a selection of films exploring sustainability, ecology, nature, community, localism, and creativity. Below is a feature that Design Exchange wrote about the film:

2020 has given us all reason to stop and take stock, and beneath the obvious crises the year has brought to the fore conversations around the Climate Emergency, and how memories are recorded, stored, and recalled. 

Both of these subjects are tackled in a new work from artist and filmmaker Di Mainstone. The commission was originally created to mark the 125th Anniversary of Tower Bridge and nods to Mainstone’s “Human Harp” project, in which she played New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and others like industrial-strength harps.

‘Time Bascule’ sees Mainstone reimagine one of London’s most iconic landmarks as a giant musical instrument, a focal point for a make-believe world where dream-like fantasy and reality meet in a fairytale-esque story, retelling a forgotten but significant chapter of the structure’s history. That of Hannah Griggs, a keen gardener, Cook-In-Service to the Bridge Master 1911-1915 and one of the first women employed at the landmark.

During lockdown Mainstone used her time to further develop the film’s storyline, mixing her fantastical imaginings of Hannah Griggs with documentary interviews captured on the 125th Anniversary of the crossing.  ‘Time Bascule’ has since garnered attention around the world. An aesthetic delight from start to finish, it’s also rich with jumping-off points for deeper discourse, such as how Griggs’ story was unearthed on Tower Bridge and how her role is now celebrated.  Why were other women like Griggs so often ‘written out of history’?  What does this tell us about biases within society and history? Who decides what constitutes an event that is deemed historic?

Enfolded within the film’s storyline, Mainstone explores the discovery of Griggs’ connection to Tower Bridge, which was unearthed by chance, a century after she left the landmark when her granddaughter Susan Belcher visited the crossing.  Staff overheard Susan telling a friend that her grandmother was one of the first women to work at Tower Bridge.

“Today, Tower Bridge celebrates Hannah Griggs in an exhibition in their Engine Rooms. When I first saw Hannah’s portrait, I remember being transfixed by her arresting gaze and wondering if perhaps she had been a Suffragette!” explains Mainstone.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone
A still from Time Bascule, featuring a portrait of Hannah Griggs taken around the time that she worked at Tower Bridge

Within the film, scenes of a greened thoroughfare complete with white dandelions spanning the River Thames, reference Grigg’s love of gardening. This could also be read as a subtle (or perhaps not-so) nod to the ill-fated Garden Bridge project, which the UK capital spent £53million drawing up plans for, before ditching the idea altogether. Meanwhile, the jarring vision of nature taking over this Kodak-favourite site via bright and fantastical renderings of wildlife can’t help but invoke conversations about our urgent need to re-wild much of the planet.

“In my imagination, Tower Bridge’s iconic“bascule” system, which seesaws up and down for passing ships, became a symbol for the equilibrium of our planet’s ecosystems, ” Mainstone says.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone: Dendelion Walk
Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone: Dandelion Walk ©Time Bascule

“Tower Bridge introduced me to Hannah Griggs’ granddaughter Susan Belcher and her great-granddaughter and doppelgänger Hannah Belcher. The pair told me that as far as they knew Hannah was not a Suffragette but she had been a passionate gardener, growing fruit, veg, and flowers which she would sell at the market,” says Mainstone.

Hannah Griggs and family: (from left) Hannah Griggs taken while at Tower Bridge, Hannah Griggs and her husband gardening, Hannah Griggs and her daughter Lily-Rose, Lily-Rose playing music to the plants in Hannah's garden
Hannah Griggs and family: (from left) A portrait of Hannah Griggs taken while she worked at Tower Bridge, Hannah Griggs and her husband gardening, Hannah Griggs and her daughter Lily-Rose, Lily-Rose playing music to the plants in Hannah’s garden

“I was later introduced to Lily-Rose Adams, daughter of Hannah Griggs, who very sadly passed away in the summer. Susan shared a picture of Lily-Rose in her mother’s Garden playing music through a gramophone. The idea of music and its effect on plant growth was seeded. I later learned that Susan and Hannah Belcher both care deeply about the environment.” she continues, before recalling the experience of working on the project.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone Left: Lily-Rose Adams, Susan Belcher and Hannah Belcher at Lily's house Right: Hannah Belcher and Shelley Kyne who played Hannah at the Time Bascule screening at Tower Bridge
Left: Lily-Rose Adams, Susan Belcher and Hannah Belcher at Lily’s house Right: Hannah Belcher and Shelley Kyne who played Hannah at the Time Bascule screening at Tower Bridge’s Victorian Engine Rooms

“When I was writing Time Bascule, I worked from a tiny studio in the abutment of Tower Bridge where Hannah Griggs once lived. I felt connected to Hannah as I sketched and wrote, peering across the bridge through a tiny window as the tides and visitors ebbed and flowed.  During this time we experienced one of the hottest summer days on record, followed by bursts of torrential rain.  I started to imagine a musical conversation between the river, the plants, and Hannah Griggs” says Mainstone.

Tower Bridge Studio View
View from Mainstone’s tiny studio in the South abutment on Tower Bridge where she would sketch and write
Time Bascule Di Mainstone
Time Bascule sketches by Di Mainstone featuring from left to right: Hannah Griggs playing the bridge, The Furnace Twins, Hannah Singing to Mother Nature

While Mainstone was filming on Tower Bridge Extinction Rebellion performed a bike swarm, singing as they rode by – “The people gonna rise like the water, we’re gonna face this crisis now, I hear the voice of my great-granddaughter, singing climate justice now…”

“At that moment, I remember feeling a shiver of excitement as I saw the beautiful connection between Hannah Griggs’ passion for nature and her great granddaughter’s concern for the environment,” Mainstone explains. A few weeks later Extinction Rebellion created the extraordinary ‘floating house’ artwork that inspired us to visualise Hannah Griggs’ house gliding across the Thames.” 

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone
Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone – This scene of the film is inspired by Act Now: Our House is Flooding Extinction Rebellion. It depicts Hannah Griggs’ house floating along the Thames ©Zoe Broughton

Understandably, Time Bascule has been picking up awards in recent months. Best Experimental Film at Montreal Independent Film Festival, Best Experimental Film at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival; Outstanding Achievement Fantasy Short, Experimental Short and Female Director at the Los Angeles based IndieX Film Fest. The film is accompanied with music by sonic surrealists Architects of Rosslyn, vocal arrangements by acclaimed ‘intercultural goddess’, WITCiH founder and rock sitarist Bishi Bhattacharya and ‘electronic pop/folk artist’ IORA, and a bewitching harp composition by London based harpist Olivia Jageurs.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone
Who’s Hannah? Time Bascule explores the story of Hannah Griggs and her connection to Tower Bridge
©Time Bascule

The Design Exchange team was honoured to work on the filming and production of ‘Time Bascule’, and we are excited to announce that once local restrictions allow we will be screening Mainstone’s thought-provoking work in London and other locations throughout 2021.  

Sign up to our newsletter for updates and information on this and future Design Exchange film projects.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone
Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone
Act Now, Change, Climate, Climate Emergency, Design, Materials, News, Plastic, Sustainability, Waste, Wellness

Handing Out Plastic Water Bottles in a Climate Emergency

The irony of distributing plastic water bottles during a climate emergency is a glaring contradiction that highlights the need for urgent action and awareness regarding sustainability. Plastic water bottles, often made from non-renewable resources, contribute to environmental degradation throughout their lifecycle. From extraction and production to consumption and disposal, these single-use items have a significant carbon footprint and perpetuate the plastic waste crisis.

In the face of a climate emergency, where the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources is paramount, the distribution of plastic water bottles is counterintuitive. It undermines efforts to mitigate climate change and exacerbates the environmental challenges we face.

The Red Cross deserves commendation for their remarkable humanitarian work, including their incredible efforts to provide aid and assistance to those in need. We fully acknowledge the valuable contributions they make in times of crisis. While acknowledging this commendable humanitarian work, it is also important to reevaluate the distribution system of plastic bottles rather than critique the organisation itself.

Shifting the focus to the underlying infrastructure and seeking alternative solutions can help align the system with sustainable practices. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, innovative approaches can be developed that maintain the invaluable support of The Red Cross while addressing environmental concerns and striving for long-term sustainability.

In the UK and throughout Europe, the solution to reducing plastic bottle waste is readily available and achievable with a little extra commitment from everyone. Making small changes in our personal behavior can make a significant difference. Embracing reusable water bottles, supporting the installation of water refill stations, and encouraging individuals to bring their own containers align perfectly with our sustainability goals. These simple measures have the power to greatly reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, conserve valuable resources, and minimize the carbon emissions associated with plastic production and disposal. By embracing these changes, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future.

Plastic production requires the extraction of fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and the depletion of finite resources. Furthermore, the manufacturing process generates pollution and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The transportation of bottled water adds to this carbon footprint, as these bottles are often transported over long distances.

Once consumed, plastic water bottles often end up in landfills or as litter, taking hundreds of years to break down and releasing harmful microplastics into the environment. These microplastics contaminate ecosystems, harm wildlife, and eventually find their way into the food chain, posing risks to human health.

Moreover, the production of plastic water bottles consumes vast amounts of water, contributing to water scarcity concerns globally. This ironic situation becomes even more apparent when one considers that the primary purpose of distributing bottled water is to quench thirst and address hydration needs, which could be achieved through the more sustainable alternatives mentioned.

If we are unwilling to make the small changes mentioned above, maybe we should even consider cans over plastic, although Aluminum production has a slightly higher initial carbon footprint compared to plastic, aluminum cans have a smaller carbon footprint and much less of an impact on the environment overall due to their high recycling rate. However, personal preferences, convenience, and local recycling capabilities may influence individual choices when it comes to selecting between cans and plastic bottled water.

To address this irony, it is essential to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic water bottles and advocate for sustainable alternatives. Governments, organizations, and individuals must actively pursue strategies to reduce plastic waste, promote reusable alternatives, and invest in infrastructure that supports the responsible use of water resources.

Ultimately, handing out plastic water bottles during a climate emergency represents a missed opportunity to prioritise sustainable practices and send a clear message about the urgent need for change. It is crucial that we collectively recognise the irony and take meaningful steps towards a future that prioritises the health of our planet over convenience and short-term solutions.

Change, Community, Culture, Dance, Design, News, Wellness

Winners Announced, Unveiling New Creative Business leaders driving Positive Social Change

Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs Celebrate 30 Years of Driving Positive Social Impact in Partnership with MeWe360

The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE), in collaboration with MeWe360, announced the winners for 2023, marking a significant milestone as they celebrate 30 years of honoring and supporting outstanding creative entrepreneurs who make a positive social impact through their businesses across the UK.

The five outstanding entrepreneurs selected each year are granted the opportunity to bring their visions and business goals to life. This year’s changemakers were unveiled during a special award ceremony held at The Royal Society of Arts. The event was hosted by Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Correspondent Brenda Emmanus OBE, with a keynote speech from Farooq Chaudhry OBE, Co-founder of the Akram Khan Dance Company.

Brenda Emmanus OBE shared her insights, stating, “By integrating creativity into business, we can address societal challenges while forging ahead with new and innovative ideas. Nurturing and supporting creative entrepreneurs ensures a future where inspiration thrives, norms are challenged, opportunities are created, and problems are solved. By celebrating this collective talent, we can imagine a world where communities and society as a whole witness progress – a better world for all of us.”

The winners received a collective prize fund of £60,000 along with tailored business support and leadership development worth £100,000 from MeWe360’s network of industry mentors, consultants, and vibrant creatives. Additionally, six strong candidates will be awarded a 12-month incubator membership with MeWe360, offering comprehensive business and leadership support and training.

This year’s DBACE winners were selected for their exceptional commitment to driving positive societal change through creative enterprise:

  1. Artistry Youth Dance – A London-based youth dance company empowering young individuals of African and Caribbean heritage while fostering a more culturally diverse UK dance community. Awarded £12,000.
  2. LEVILE – A casting and media agency providing genuine opportunities for diverse and underrepresented creative talent within the TV and film industries. Awarded £15,000.
  3. Rehema Cultural Arts – An arts organization collaborating with cultural institutions to decolonize African history collections and ensure African stories are presented from an African perspective, promoting wider access within Black communities. Awarded £10,000.
  4. The Bitten Peach – The UK’s first queer pan-Asian cabaret casting agency and production company on a mission to diversify Asian representation on stage through various art forms. Awarded £13,000.
  5. United in Design – A charity founded to address equality, diversity, and inclusion gaps within the Interior Design Industry, focusing on individuals from ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Awarded £10,000.
DBACE winners 2023 (left to right) Alexandria Dauley, United in Design; Sherry Davis, Rehema Cultural Arts; Brenda Emmanus OBE (host); Ola Christian, LEVILE; Samantha Sun & Alisa Morris, The Bitten Peach; Louise Nkosi, CEO, MeWe360; Amy Harris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility UK, Deutsche Bank; Kamara Gray, Artistry Youth Dance. Photo credit: Amari Yogendran :Photo © DBACE
DBACE winners 2023 (left to right) Alexandria Dauley, United in Design; Sherry Davis, Rehema Cultural Arts; Brenda Emmanus OBE (host); Ola Christian, LEVILE; Samantha Sun & Alisa Morris, The Bitten Peach; Louise Nkosi, CEO, MeWe360; Amy Harris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility UK, Deutsche Bank; Kamara Gray, Artistry Youth Dance. Photo ©Amari Yogendran

This year, for the first time, DBACE opened its doors to applicants over the age of 18, resulting in 573 entries from diverse industries including creative arts organizations, podcast producers, fashion, and media agencies.

“The funding and business support will allow us to support even more young Black dancers and help us develop a more culturally diverse UK dance community.” 

Kamara Gray, Founder, Artistry Youth Dance 

As one of the UK’s longest-running creative enterprise programs, DBACE has supported over 400 talented entrepreneurs and 320 creative ventures to date, benefiting countless applicants through mentorship and valuable skills development. The partnership with MeWe360, a not-for-profit incubator championing Black, Asian, and minority ethnic entrepreneurs in the arts and creative industries, has further enhanced DBACE’s impact and broadened access to traditionally underrepresented groups.

“Access to this funding and business support will allow us to get to new frontiers as The Bitten Peach. We now feel like there is no end to where we could go or how deep our impact could be.” 

Alisa Morris, Co-Founder, The Bitten Peach

Deutsche Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing grassroots creative talent, regardless of background, particularly in times of social, political, and economic uncertainty. The DBACE Awards have continuously evolved to respond to the changing landscape of the UK’s creative sector, acknowledging the sector’s significant growth and its potential to address pressing societal issues. From improving education and health outcomes to offering innovative environmental solutions and revitalizing communities, creative entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role.

As the program moves forward, DBACE and MeWe360 continue to cultivate and support creative entrepreneurs who drive positive change, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative landscape for the betterment of society.

Campaign, Design, New Products, News

Smeg Launches New Collection of Bold Colours for 2023

Smeg, the renowned Italian appliance brand, is thrilled to introduce an exciting lineup of fresh colors for its highly acclaimed FAB28 refrigerator. Launched in June, the FAB28 fridge now comes in four stunning new matte finishes: Azzuro Blue, Perfectly Pale Rust, and Matte Black (exclusive to AO). These colors represent Smeg’s vibrant offerings for the summer of 2023.

With a resurgence in the popularity of vibrant hues this year, Smeg was inspired to create this striking collection of FAB28 refrigerators, providing homeowners with the opportunity to customize their kitchens even further. Following current trends, the collection features earthy tones like rust and sand, complemented by uplifting blues. Drawing inspiration from picturesque Italian landscapes, Smeg has carefully selected colors that pay homage to its rich Italian heritage. The collection boasts a sleek matte finish, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design.

Smeg launches new collection - Rust
Smeg launches new colour collection – Rust

In 2022, Smeg previewed this collection in Milan and later conducted a public vote to determine the new FAB28 fridge color. Rust, Azzurro Blue, and Perfectly Pale emerged as the most popular choices among the eight color options available. Additionally, the inclusion of matte black completes Smeg’s range of kitchen appliances and accessories in this sophisticated finish, enabling homeowners to achieve a fully matte black aesthetic for their kitchens, complemented by matching appliances such as kettles, toasters, and the new Classic oven.

The FAB28 fridge by Smeg offers several features, including adjustable glass shelves, internal LED strip lighting, chrome accents, and a Life Plus 0-degree compartment. Each of the new designs reflects Smeg’s distinctive design ethos of “Made In Italy,” characterized by playfulness, evocativeness, and eclecticism—a philosophy that has continually evolved since its inception in 1997.

Smeg launches new colour collection - Perfectly Pale & Azzurro Blue
Smeg launches new colour collection – Perfectly Pale & Azzurro Blue

The new additions to the FAB28 refrigerator range will be available for purchase at £1,899 through shop.smeguk.com, Smeg’s flagship store on Regent Street, and select retailers. The matte black variant will be exclusively sold by AO.

Act Now, Campaign, Change, Climate, Climate Emergency, Materials, News, Sustainability, Technology, Wellness

Stuck in the Past: UK Government’s Failure to Embrace the Future

The UK government’s failure to meet climate targets on nearly every front is a cause for concern and highlights significant shortcomings in its approach to addressing the climate crisis. Despite setting ambitious goals and committing to international agreements, the government’s actions have fallen short of expectations, jeopardizing the country’s ability to effectively combat climate change.

One major area where targets have been missed is in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The UK has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, yet progress has been slow and insufficient. Emissions reductions in sectors such as transportation, energy, and agriculture have not been on track to meet interim goals. This lack of progress suggests a failure to implement robust policies and regulations to drive the necessary transition to cleaner energy sources and sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the government’s support for fossil fuel industries contradicts its climate commitments. Continued subsidies and approvals for new fossil fuel projects undermine efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy. This approach not only hampers emissions reductions but also perpetuates reliance on polluting energy sources, hindering progress towards a sustainable future.

Another area where targets have been missed is in renewable energy deployment. The government has set targets for increasing renewable energy capacity, but progress has been insufficient. Delays in planning approvals, inadequate financial support, and a lack of investment in renewable technologies have hindered the growth of the sector. These missed targets underscore a failure to prioritize and allocate resources effectively to accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the government’s lack of comprehensive action to address other climate-related challenges, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and adaptation measures, further contributes to the failure to meet targets. These interconnected issues require holistic approaches that consider the broader environmental impacts and long-term consequences of policies and actions.

The consequences of failing to meet climate targets are significant. In addition to exacerbating the climate crisis and its associated risks, the UK’s reputation as a global leader in climate action is undermined. It erodes trust and hampers international cooperation towards a collective response to the climate emergency.

To rectify these shortcomings, the UK government must urgently reassess its climate policies and take bolder, more decisive actions. This includes implementing stronger regulations, increasing investment in renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices, and actively phasing out support for fossil fuel industries. Additionally, greater transparency and accountability are needed to ensure that climate targets are effectively monitored and achieved. Only through determined and comprehensive efforts can the UK government regain its credibility and effectively contribute to global climate action.

Act Now, Architecture, Bridges, Change, Climate, Climate Emergency, Culture, Design, Future, Materials, News, Sustainability, Wellness

Moxon Architects and Engineers IB-Miebach complete a Timber Bridge for German town 

Moxon Architects has completed a pedestrian and cycle bridge for the town of Balingen in southern Germany, a design collaboration with timber bridge engineering specialist Ingenieurbüro Miebach. Balingen Footbridge embodies the town’s ambitious dual commitment to design excellence and a sustainable future while offering a sympathetic response to the natural river setting. Unveiled ahead of the 2023 Baden-Würtemberg Garden Show, the bridge will form a focal showpiece of a 14-hectare regeneration for the event. 

As well as linking event venues, the new bridge strengthens Balingen’s network of foot and cycle paths and will serve as a catalyst for further responsible regeneration of the River Eyach, a revived amenity that runs through the town. The footbridge also sets an important exemplar in the creation of sustainable infrastructure, through timber construction, in place of steel and concrete.  

The innovative, sustainable, and low-maintenance bridge features a pair of structural timber beams spanning 40 metres over the river at an oblique angle, cradling pedestrians and cyclists upon a 3.0m wide fibre reinforced plastic deck. At both ends of the bridge, the structure widens to 5.0m, allowing comfortable access. The two subtly angled and tapered beams are designed to flare outwards in plan as they approach either riverbank, embracing the town’s network of footpaths and cycle tracks. The beams extend above the level of the deck to form the bridge’s parapet sides – a necessity allowing the bridge to clear future predicted flood levels while enabling fully accessible gradients at either approach. The visible, outward leaning outer faces of the shaped glulam beams will weather naturally over time. The inner, pedestrian facing surfaces are clad in native timber slats with integrated lighting and handrails. 

Ingenieurbüro Miebach and Moxon won the project in an invited competition in 2019, and the timber bridge adds to both practices rich bridge portfolios; Moxon’s includes a pair of bridges over the Regents Canal for the King’s Cross regeneration in London, a pedestrian swing bridge at Greenwich Reach in London and the recently completed meandering footbridge along the Thames Path beneath the existing Barnes Bridge at Chiswick, UK. 

“Balingen Footbridge demonstrates not just the aesthetic and structural potential of timber in place of steel in bridge-building, but the carbon that can be sequestered. Through offsetting the concrete going into the abutments, timber allows you to create a more sustainable piece of infrastructure, that, with the correct maintenance, can last as long as any steel structure. 

Ezra Groskin, director at Moxon Architects

Working with a world-leading engineer fully committed to timber structures, and a town that prioritises the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, has been an inspiring and informative process. We are excited to bring the experience and knowledge gained through this European collaboration back to the UK, where we are optimistic it can inform our approach to designing both bridges and buildings.’   

Frank Miebach, director at Ingenieurbüro Miebach added: “The big challenge in this project was working within the structural limitations that such a pared-back, elegant aesthetic can impose. Thanks to the excellent exchange with the architects, we were able to give the simple structural form of a trough bridge a unique typology. We were able to implement our premise for good structural wood protection in an appealing way through the inclined girders. This shows that together we can interpret wood in a contemporary way for bridges, and hope to herald a paradigm shift.   

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Email:editor@demagazine.co.uk