Simons Architects’ Post

What is the Building Blocks manifesto? It is UK Architects Declare’s manifesto for a climate-literate future. The document is a win-win as it not only claims to transform the built environment in response to the threat of climate catastrophe but also predicts a boost in low-carbon sector jobs, the general economy, and savings to the NHS through retrofitting cold homes. Sounds perfect right? Just one crucial caveat: the government needs to take action. Reeducate the entire population with transformed skills, different mindsets, and priorities. Imagine a world where climate literacy and action formed the bedrock for a new kind of National Service.  “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt Have a read! Get inspired, get involved View the Building Block Manifesto here: https://lnkd.in/eSeMA8h3 Article from: “Your planet needs you: a new kind of national service for a carbon-conscious age” https://lnkd.in/en_gAuez

We are thrilled to announce the approval of our Interreg North Sea Programme proposal, COOL CITIES: Cooling Networks: Reducing Outdoor Heat Stress in Cities! The 4-year project will begin in 2024. Cities in the North Sea Region are confronted with heat stress more often, longer, and with warmer temperatures as a result of climate change. Urban areas tend to experience 4 to 7°C higher air temperature than their rural surroundings, especially during the night. Heat stress leads to public health issues, impairs vital economic functions, and has an impact on the livability of our cities. This groundbreaking project will focus on exploring the potential of cool networks, shaded public spaces and routes, to enhance urban heat resiliency and livability. The proposal was submitted with input from the following knowledge institutions, a sectoral agency and local/regional authorities: Climate Resilient City | Amsterdam University of Applied Science / City Net Zero – Centre of Expertise HvA - Stephanie Erwin and Jeroen Kluck HafenCity Universität Hamburg (HCU) - Wolfgang Dickhaut ZEBAU GmbH - Centre for Energy, Construction, Architecture and the Environment - Jan Gerbitz, Amke Oltmanns and Julia Pleuser Gemeente Arnhem - Hans van Ammers and Henk W. Wentink Gemeente Rotterdam -Tara van Iersel, Eduard Schoor and Cleo Pouw Gemeente Middelburg - Tiny Maenhout and Caroline Jonkers Stadsbyggnadsförvaltningen, Göteborgs Stad - anna svensson, Lina Forsman and Lisa Ekström Stadt Göttingen - Karina Schell and Claudia Tunsch Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg - Sabine Schubbe Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer - Sabine Courouble and Benoit Cousin Ville de Saint-Omer - Sylvain Pauwels, Antoine Vercruysse and Céline RAULT Stad Sint-Niklaas - Esther-Lynne Uyttendaele, veerle Stuer and Wim Olivié With support from: Bureau BUITEN - Anneke van Mispelaar, Nanne van der Struijs and Wouter Maat De Subsidievakman - Jan-Joris Van Kampen

It’s not when but now in learning how to address, adjust to, and effect change in our responses to climate and its impact on so many aspects of life.

Can a university reach net zero by 2025? Although a tall task, it is an urgent situation. For UC San Diego, the university has made a commitment to a sustainable future through the development of a Climate Action Plan (CAP). HKS-designed North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood demonstrates how climate action plans, design-build collaborations and outcome-driven designs can positively impact the future of architecture and education. Learn more. 🔽 #studenthousing #design #architecture

As we look towards the future, one of the most exciting and impactful ways we can invest in our #children is by introducing them to the world of #architecture. Here’s why it’s important and how we can get started. #City #Imagination is not just a fun activity; it’s a critical step in preparing our children to be #thoughtful, #innovative, and responsible #urban #planners of the future. By nurturing their ability to envision better #cities, we are investing in a brighter, more sustainable world. Let’s inspire our children to dream big and imagine cities that are not only beautiful but also equitable and green. Together, we can build a better future, one city at a time. #CityImagination #UrbanPlanning #FutureDesigners #Sustainability #STEM #CreativeEducation

A Practical Guide to Climate-resilient Buildings & Communities A very interesting guide, including many adaptation ideas for thermal regulation and comfort. #resilientcommunities #climateresilience #communities #greenarchitecture #innovation #architecturelovers #thermalcomfort

Modernisation vs. Conservation is a battle where no one opponent should come out on top… As the heritage sector plays a crucial role in preserving our cultural legacy and architectural heritage, it faces a unique set of challenges. These are the top five issues affecting the heritage sector today: 1️⃣ Preservation and conservation: Organisations must strike a balance between restoration and conservation, ensuring that historical authenticity is preserved whilst incorporating modern safety and functionality standards. 2️⃣ Sustainable construction practices: Retrofitting historical buildings with energy-efficient systems, such as renewable energy sources, insulation, and smart technologies, poses a unique challenge due to the need for minimal intervention and the preservation of original features. 3️⃣ Funding and resources: The sector often struggles to secure adequate funding and resources for preservation and restoration projects, often hindering the successful execution of ambitious preservation endeavours. 4️⃣ Public engagement and accessibility: Encouraging public involvement through educational programmes, guided tours, and community events is essential for the long-term success of the sector. This will foster a sense of ownership and instils a commitment to preserving cultural heritage 5️⃣ Skilled workforce: Restoration requires a specialised set of skills and expertise. The shortage of professionals with experience in heritage construction poses a significant challenge. That’s a lot to tackle alone. Next week, we’re hosting our annual Heritage Conference in London, where industry experts and professionals will discuss how to build a sustainable future for the sector. 🎟👇 Hit the link in the comments to join us! Or if you’d like to talk with our NFB experts, become an NFB Heritage Group member for tailored support with any of the above issues. #HeritageConstruction #ConstructionEvent #SustainableConstruction

Collectively, nature-based strategies have been demonstrated to be able to supply 37% of the climate mitigation required by 2030 to limit global temperature rise below 2ºC. If action is delayed until after 2030, that figure drops to 33%, and drops again to only 22% after 2050. With cities projected to host three-quarters of the world's population by 2050, it is crucial for urban leaders and decision-makers to prioritize nature in their investment decisions. This is not only improves the resilience and livability of cities but also secures a sustainable future. The latest report the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Oliver Wyman unveils guidelines for cities looking to begin their nature-positive transition > https://lnkd.in/e9WzhJYU Grateful to be a part of this brilliant task force! Carlo Angeles Martin Anzellini Madhumitha Ardhanari George Patrick Richard Benson Federico Cartín Arteaga Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf Piali Das Gupta Laura Fox Tatiana Gallego Lizon Maryam Golnaraghi, Ph.D. Craig Holland Andreas Kipar Ka Ming Andre Kwok Francisco Martes Porto Macedo Kate Meyrick Nora Van Cauwenbergh Sandra Villars, CFA Javier Garcia Olivares Cristina Gómez Garcia-Reyes Nicole Merlo Esther An Nollaig Forrest Cha-Ly K. Marie Lam - Frendo Mauricio Rodas Mikolaj Sekutowicz Heather Thompson Kotchakorn Voraakhom Mark Watts Climate Positive Design Architecture 2030 American Society of Landscape Architects IFLA IFLA Harvard University Graduate School of Design ClimateWorks Foundation Loeb Fellowship Landscape Architecture Foundation #naturepositivecities #naturepositivetransition #naturepositive #natureincities #beyondnetzero #urbanresilience #sustainableurbandevelopment #buildingabetterfuture

As many communities are faced with a housing issue, thinking outside the box will help in crafting ideas, and generate positive results with the right resources. Here’s a free masterclass to check into!