Ready for lift off!
SpACE project launched to debate Edinburgh’s built environment
SPACE - the Space for Architecture + Carbon + Environment - is a platform for architecture, carbon and the environment and it opens on 1 November just in time for COP26.
It is regarded as a long-needed public forum with a clear focus on how the built environment is critical in addressing the climate emergency.
There is a public pop-up exhibition, event space and online venue open until 4 December in the former Fire Station at Edinburgh College of Art – a highly visible and publicly accessible venue in central Edinburgh, and a great example of re-using an existing building.
Other major cities including
Amsterdam, Bologna, Hamburg and London already have established architecture centres, and Edinburgh’s SpACE has a unique focus on facilitating public engagement with the role of design excellence, place-making, heritage, landscape and construction in the pursuit of net zero carbon.
SpACE will enhance Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s high level climate policies by bringing them to life through talks, workshops and displays about the practical measures and behavioural changes needed on the ground.
Rab Bennetts, architect and founder of Bennetts Associates and Chair of SpACE said: “There could hardly be a more appropriate moment to engage with the public about the impact of our buildings and places on climate change. As the world’s eyes are on COP26 in Glasgow, our parallel event in Edinburgh can show how the changes that are essential to our homes, workplaces and public buildings are not only possible but can also result in a cleaner, healthier and more enjoyable built environment.”
The exhibition will include inspiring design and construction case studies illustrating the journey to net zero carbon in the existing building stock, new buildings and neighbourhoods. Backed up by carbon data, these case studies will illustrate where the industry is and how far it has to go.
A daily events programme will include workshops by Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage Trust to presentations of new techniques in commercial property, debates about existing building upgrades, exploration of digital city mapping, the work of the UK Green Building Council, films by community groups and consultations on The City of Edinburgh Council policies.
The initial programme is intended as a pilot for a proposed longer-term facility in the capital and has been made possible thanks to support from The Scottish Government and organisations including the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
Funding has been secured from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, a wide range of private sector companies representing architecture, engineering, surveying and construction, and several individuals.
SpACE is a registered Scottish charity and its steering committee reflects its pan-sector ambitions, comprising architects, engineers and surveyors, and organisations including the RIAS, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, City of Edinburgh Council, Architecture & Design Scotland and the University of Edinburgh.