Talking Health, Sustainability and how Landscape Architecture has the Power to Change the World at Grand Designs Live
Wow, what a whirlwind Grand Designs Live was this year. One grand theatre solo talk discussing the value of landscape to our health, our environment and our budget, two panel talks about health and our homes and a chance to showcase our studio and incredible work of our team here. We met some inspirational professionals from architects like Studio Bark who have created a sustainable modular self -build system that quite literally is revolutionising the world of self-build, to passionate presenter Kunle Barker tackling important issues of health, landscape, housing and climate change (whilst making us all feel at home on stage which is a foreign space to us). We met (if briefly) Kevin McCloud who (more than just a figure head for the show) was making waves about sustainability, climate change and was en-route to speak to parliament about the housing crisis. Next time, we are hoping to grasp him for long enough to get his viewpoint on the role of landscape to the built environment, health and our planet (we will get you next time Kevin) but for now just hearing him inspiring the public was enough.
It was refreshing to see the team behind the content and marketing for the show pushing for new, sustainable and extraordinary approaches to self-build. Their open minds, drive for innovation and support for new studios and ideas is something we haven’t seen rivalled at other big shows. They really are the unsung heroes of events like Grand Designs Live.
We won’t lie to you, the show is exhausting after 9 days solid and a studio to run but really is an opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and speak passionately about both our work and our ethics. The way our research-led design for health and sustainability strategies were received at the show, is really a symbol of the changes in minds and hearts that are starting to be made as greater education on these topics is being brought to the fore by the media.
I was asked at the show by a peer “what did I think of the recent UN report about species loss and extinction?” and whilst the gravity and severity of the problem weigh heavy on my heart, after the show, I remain eternally optimistic that we have the power to change this. It’s my belief that Landscape Architecture can change the world and there’s a whole host of professionals, landscape and non-landscape alike that are working to that same end. The task is great and the way forward not always clear but I remain hopeful, because when hope is lost, so are we.
I’ll leave it there for now because post-show chaos awaits along with exciting meetings with prospective clients and cementing relationships with new found professionals and friends. See you next time Grand Designs!