Timber Development UK University Design Challenge is calling on students to tackle the climate crisis, as experts come together to share knowledge in online event.
The Timber Development UK University Design Challenge has begun, creating an exciting competition for built environment students and 2021 graduates from across the UK.
In a virtual event on 14 December 2021, Timber Development UK’s University and Regional Engagement Manager Tabitha Binding welcomed more than 50 students and graduates who had expressed interest in joining the competition.
The event was the first in a series of interactive webinars where entrants can learn and seek advice from professionals at the forefront of modern construction, before they are gathered into groups and challenged to design the new Southside community centre building in Hereford.
All designs must ensure the community centre building fits within its local landscape and places the client’s and community’s interests first at all times. Importantly, the designs must all be net zero, using sustainable building materials and construction methods to minimise the environmental impact of the building. The building must meet Passivhaus standards and exceed the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets, as well as prioritising the health and wellbeing of the local community and the people who will use the space.
To help inspire the students, this first launch event welcomed 12 speakers, all of whom are leaders in their field and passionate about taking positive action within construction to tackle the climate emergency. They were Anthony Thistleton, from Waugh Thistleton Architects; Dr Gemma Jerome, from Building with Nature; Mark Farmer, from Cast Consultancy; Sarah Lewis, from Passivhaus Trust; Paula McMahon, from SRM; Kelly Harrison, Associate Director at Whitby Wood; Kat Scott, from dRMM Architects and Architects Declare; Sarah Broadstock, from Studio Bark; Seb Laan Lomas, from Architype; Allyson McDuffie, from Trimble; Dave Edward, from designPH; and Tim Martel, from AECB.
Timber Development UK is bringing the University Challenge in partnership with New Model Institute of Technology and Engineering (NMITE), Edinburgh Napier University, and the Passivhaus Trust.
You can find out more about the Southside Hereford University Design Challenge at https://www.trada.co.uk/academic-competitions/southside-hereford-university-design-challenge-2022/
