Highland architects start inspiring conversations with series of climate change events
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Architects across the Highlands and Islands are raising awareness about the impact of the Climate Emergency through a series of events as part of a national initiative coordinated by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
The ‘RIAS Inspiring Futures’ programme sees architects right across Scotland mapping running and cycle routes that highlight future sea levels and a series of COP ‘Markers’ installed at places at risk of water rise.
With support from Historic Environment Scotland there will be ‘markers’ made of traditional and local materials to emphasise that we need to change how we build in the future, using renewable and durable materials.
Locals will be able to visit markers at the East and West ends of the Caledonian Canal, designed by MAKAR, Ecological Design and Build, using native timber construction. Also, at
the Glenfinnan Monument, a site which regularly floods and is especially at risk with rising sea levels.
Tom Morton of Arc Architects, designers of the ‘Rammed Earth and Turf’ marker at the Isle of Erraid and Glenfinnan said: “The marker is made from sand, a key traditional material used in mortars and plasters, whose rich variety was made by Scotland’s rivers, glaciers and seas. But sand takes 25,000
years to make and is at the top of the U.N.’s list of endangered natural resources. In
decarbonising construction, we can also create a circular economy that safeguards our
natural resources.”
Between Saturday October 30 and November 9 members of the IAA and ICHT are inviting members of the public to engage with the conversation around climate change at various locations over six different events.
From beach cleans followed by a crisp pint, to guided walks and talks, there will be something to inspire all ages to be a part of the solution.
On November 3, at 7pm the team will be in Inverness for a talk at Inverness Cathedral titled "Heard about Retrofit?".
Followed by an event in Eden Court on November 6 at 2pm called "The River and Its City".
On November 9 at 7pm there will be a talk in WASPS Inverness entitled "Creative Academy"
Inverness Architectural firm Three Sixty Architecture will be transforming their window display on Academy Street to include information about how the industry can contribute to
a more sustainable future with examples of environmentally responsible design projects.
Watch out for the ‘Travelling Markers’ too! Made and donated by Russwood Timber Specialists. These striking exclamation marks will be dotted around the country at various
events.
Go online to RIASInspiringFutures.com to find out more about the markers, water level rise data and tidal route maps.
