Eco Design Growth Environment

Whilst the coronavirus crisis may have bought the majority of the world to a near standstill and the Black Lives Matter movement gaining international recognition for the work it is doing in the quest for racial equality, it’s easy to forget, momentarily at least, one of the things that were increasingly high on the agenda 3 months ago; climate change and our impact upon the environment. Sadly, whilst the focus has been drawn toward other worthy challenges, and even with the so-called “anthro-pause,” the many potential issues we face regarding the warming of the planet are still an alarming cause for concern. 

It’s no surprise to hear environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg talk of this time as a genuine “awakening” in which “people are starting to find their voice, to sort of understand that they can actually have an impact.”

The fact that the UK construction industry all but carried on during the lockdown underlines its significance to a financially viable economy within the current system, but it could also be argued that it signals the continuous need for new and improved infrastructure in sustaining the wellbeing of our societies. However, it can also be argued that this flies in the face of the point Greta, and any other environmentally conscious people, are trying to make because the construction industry has a significant impact on the environment.

The ways in which we build must continue to change for the better, which means the materials and systems that we use to create and power them must also continue to limit the impact they cause to the environment, ideally improving it wherever possible. That is certainly the mindset of the team behind the UK’s newest material resource, Eco Design Growth Environment (EDGE).

The studio, which is due to open its doors on London’s Marylebone Road at some point in 2020 is based upon a clear set of values, as creative director, Rory Macpherson explains,

“We believe in transparency and think that an honest approach to materiality is key to making more sustainable decisions when planning our built environments”.

Adding to the sizeable “anthro-pause” list, development of the physical space was put on hold back in March but the plan remains the same – 2 floors of innovative and stimulating materials and products designed to reduce their negative social and environmental impact. And whilst the primary intended audience might be architects and interior designers; namely the decision-makers on big construction projects, the studio will a resource available to anyone working on build-base projects, including private residents. With additional plans to include a talks and workshop program when the space is able to open its doors, it promises to be an informative prospect, although Macpherson is keen to point out that debate and discussion will be key in making genuine progress:

“We don’t have all of the answers, that’s not really what the studio is all about; if anything it’s about asking questions and then doing our best to help our clients make informed and responsible decisions.”

For now, EDGE is purely an online resource and the website already consists of numerous products and materials as well as articles that help to widen the discussion surrounding “eco” design and build. Due to the inherently open and inquisitive nature of the studio ethos, it looks set to be an ever-evolving and increasingly useful resource and indeed, MacPherson is keen to point out that they are, and will always be on the lookout for worthy brands to promote:

“We seek those that consciously endeavour to choose raw materials based on provenance and quantity required; aim to reduce the energy needed and pollution created in the production and transportation of their materials; reuse resources and waste; create regenerative materials and utilise closed-loop production methods.”

After a year-to-date of uncertainty and an unhealthy dollop of helplessness, it feels like EDGE represents a positive step in the right direction – perhaps as we slowly restart and revaluate our activities upon the planet this approach to the built environment can firmly cement a place within the “new normal.”

This article was first published by Design Insider Live.