Where Learning meets Practice
Blogs
A previous 4 weeks work experience at BoonBrown gave me confidence that, as a second year student currently studying my Part 1 at the University of Bath, I would be given interesting and consequential projects to work on in a supportive and knowledgeable environment. From the start I was made to feel like a valuable member of the team and quickly integrated into the office culture. I was exposed to multiple stages of the RIBA Plan of work, from technical design and coordination to preparing design and access statements. Most of my time at BoonBrown was spent creating technical drawing packages for Stage 4 of the RIBA Plan of Work, this filled a gap in my knowledge that would otherwise not be filled by University. I was able to interact with clients and contractors, giving me an insight into how projects get coordinated and how teams work together to progress a project.
My colleagues at BoonBrown always provided valuable insight into where the best place to look for the information required is instead of telling me the answer, this independence increased my confidence in making my own decisions that were properly informed. I always felt engaged in the tasks I was given and within that the freedom to execute it the way I wanted. My responsibility as time went on grew and I was able to produce high quality work that carried with it a feeling of pride.
Due to my time at BoonBrown, it has become clear to me that my primary interest in architecture is how responsible and sustainable design intercepts the concept of mass housing. This has been most valuable to me as it has brought into focus what principles I value in design and architecture.
I want to thank all of the team at BoonBrown for a well rounded experience and giving me the confidence to return to university in September fully sure that architecture is the career path that I want to pursue.
Written by
A New Dawn of the NPPF
Blogs
After being teased and having our hopes dashed on having a new NPPF before the summer recess, finally the 2026 version of the NPPF has been formerly released, marking the most significant reform of national planning policy since the NPPF was first introduced in March 2012.
Whist here have been some shifts from the consultation version from the start of the year, many of the newly formed policies remain, and their relevance for agents, landowners, farmers, other business owners and developers who live or operate within rural areas remains key.
The new framework represents a more rules-based approach, providing greater certainty over what forms of development should and shouldn’t be permitted with a clear split of distinctive plan making policies and national decision-making policies. As with other versions, the document covers all matters of planning such as heritage, national landscapes, flood risk and of course rural development.
There is also the heavily debated matter of grey and green belt, which can be left for another time; here we focus on how the new NPPF supports rural development and growth. From the outset it is very encouraging to see that the new policy aims to boost rural economies by allocating ‘substantial’ weight to agricultural growth and business diversification and includes explicit recognition of the importance of agricultural modernisation.
There is now a clear recognition of market supply and demand and the need to take into account anticipated catchment areas and the changing needs of different sectors in meeting the needs of businesses, as a way of justifying the location of development in support of new policy S5. For rural areas, the sustainable growth of business in rural areas is strongly supported through the reuse of existing buildings as well as ‘well‑designed new development’.
Development is also better supported for the diversification of agricultural business with farm viability being acknowledged. Specifically, the new NPPF supports measures to retain and expand accessible local shops and services, which is vital for village communities to remain sustainable and most crucially, there is recognition that development proposals may need to be located outside settlement boundaries and in locations that are not well served by public transport in order to meet rural business needs.
In terms of housing however, the same consideration has not been afforded to rural areas.
Probably the most important goal and reasoning of the new NPPF is to accelerate and unlock the delivery of desperately needed new homes across England with most people well versed to the Government’s target of 1.5 million homes (for which time is truly ticking). Whilst a policy document on its own will not address the acute and entrenched housing crisis, it provides a supportive foundation to help to unlock the delivery of homes. To a point however, the NPPF has an urban bias failing to address unique rural living realities especially in meeting housing need and demand.
One of the most important changes in the NPPF is the shift of the familiar ‘tilted balance’ with a more permanent, location-based presumption in favour of sustainable development. In doing this, the revised NPPF prioritises development that is ‘suitably located,’ introducing policies S4 (within settlements) and S5 (outside settlements). Some would argue that this change shifts the starting point from initial resistance to development to a clearer route to approval for edge-of-settlement developments.
For developers, land owners and land managers, this should result in greater consistency and certainty when speculating on development sites; however, it could be considered that the splitting the presumption across those developments that are inside and those outside settlement boundaries could inertly push development towards larger towns, leaving villages and smaller market towns where needed homes are already in short supply and chronic affordability issues, with very little opportunity to grow.
There is support for residential and mixed-use development around ‘well connected’ railway stations outside settlements; but the new definition given to what ‘well connected’ means would rule out development near to the majority of train stations that are located in rural areas. This essentially overlooks genuine sustainable locations for new housing in these areas; a nuance point that has been ignored in the new NPPF.
The exception to allow development involving instances where LPA’s cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing need still applies, but this is restricted to where development would be ‘physically’ well related to an existing settlement. Such policy provisions overlook the unique needs of rural areas; this is despite rural settlements covering approximately 85% of the land mass of England and roughly 9.7 million people living in such places.
Notwithstanding the above, there are many development ‘hooks’ in the latest NPPF for housing in rural areas. For landowners and developers, working with experienced commercially aware planning teams will be vital to capitalise on the planning framework now available.
As the industry becomes more familiar with this new version of the NPPF, here at BoonBrown we will maintain an oversight and continue to monitor local planning committees, appeals and local plan progression to see how this national document impacts all aspects of town planning. We will continue to ensure that our planning strategies and submissions remain robust in light of such a significant policy change.
Contact
From Classroom to Practice
Blogs
Learning Through Experience
Real learning comes from experience, not just from training or formal assessments and that belief has shaped many of the decisions I’ve made on my journey into architecture. Choosing the apprenticeship route felt like choosing a way of learning that made sense to me: learning through doing, through observing, and through being part of real projects from the very beginning. Unlike the traditional full‑time university pathway, an apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while learning, but more importantly, it offers continuous exposure to the profession. Being involved with clients, deadlines, and real design challenges has allowed me to understand architecture in a much more practical and grounded way.
My interest in architecture developed gradually rather than all at once. It first started to take shape during secondary school when I completed a Level 2 qualification in Construction and the Built Environment. Every Friday afternoon I would leave school to study at Yeovil College, and this was the first time a subject truly captured my attention. Learning about buildings, drawing floor plans, and analysing case studies helped me see how carefully the built environment is designed. Those early experiences made architecture feel like a real and exciting possibility.
Later, when I moved on to study Graphic Design & Photography at Level 3, architecture resurfaced in unexpected ways. I found myself drawn to photographing buildings, exploring form and structure, and experimenting with 3D design. Over time, my portfolio naturally became more focused on architectural themes. This growing interest led to a significant opportunity: work experience at Boon Brown in 2023. Spending time inside an architectural practice gave me insight into the collaborative processes, problem‑solving, and creativity involved in the profession. It was an experience that made the pathway ahead feel much clearer.
Moving Toward the Apprenticeship Route
As college came to an end, I faced the familiar uncertainty of deciding what to do next. With support from Boon Brown, I applied for the Level 6 Architectural Apprenticeship at Portsmouth University. Although I didn’t meet the standard grade requirements, my portfolio and application demonstrated my direction and commitment. Being accepted was a reminder that there are multiple routes into architecture, and that experience and passion can carry weight alongside academics.
The structure of the apprenticeship suits the way I naturally learn. Splitting time between university and working in practice gives everything context — what I learn in lectures becomes easier to understand and apply when I’m back in the studio the next day. The apprenticeship still leads to the same ARB and RIBA milestones, but the ongoing practical experience brings each stage of learning to life.
I am also required to log and submit off‑the‑job hours each month, which records the new skills and knowledge I’ve gained. Apprentices must complete a minimum number of these hours over the duration of the course. For example, my programme requires at least 1,029 hours across four years. Most of these hours come from time spent at university, but they are also supplemented by structured learning in the workplace. This can include anything from attending larger meetings, joining site visits, learning new software, or receiving short talks on topics such as building regulations, the planning process, or the technical side of how something works. Keeping track of these hours encourages me to stay aware of my progress and ensures that my development continues alongside my day‑to‑day responsibilities.
The financial aspect is also a significant benefit. Not having to pay tuition fees removes a major source of financial pressure, and being able to continue living at home keeps me close to my support network. This allowed me to move into the profession without needing to relocate or take on additional financial burdens, something that made the route feel more manageable and realistic.
Of course, the pathway comes with challenges. Studying from a distance means missing out on the traditional university experience and balancing full‑time work with academic deadlines can be demanding. There are times when managing both feels overwhelming, and I’ve had to develop new habits, routines, and study techniques to stay on top of everything. Some weeks require more adjustment than others, but each challenge has helped build resilience and confidence in handling responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
Looking back over my journey so far, the apprenticeship route has offered more than just a qualification. It has provided steady professional development, meaningful experience, and a clearer understanding of the realities of architectural practice. Working on real projects, contributing to live design work, and learning from experienced colleagues has made the learning process richer and more connected to the industry. Although there are difficulties along the way, the benefits continue to outweigh them. This journey is still in its early stages, but it’s one I feel encouraged by, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to unfold.
Written by
Continuing our Journey to Net Zero
Blogs
As part of BoonBrown’s Social Value Strategy, over the last five years we have been calculating and tracking the Carbon Footprint of our Southwest and London Studios. In 2023, we launched our inaugural Carbon Reduction Plan which outlined our baseline Carbon Footprint along with the carbon reduction initiatives we have implemented and proposed. Since the publication of this plan, we have continued to assess our carbon impact and have recently released an updated Carbon Reduction Plan, now available for viewing on our website here.
BoonBrown’s Carbon Footprint in 2025
As a practice, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint to achieve Net Zero by 2040. This aligns with the government’s goal to achieve Net Zero emissions in the UK by 2050. The first step in reducing our carbon footprint was to measure our existing impact so that we could identify areas of improvement to reduce our carbon emissions where possible. For emissions which cannot practicably be reduced, we will look at offsetting measures to reach our target goal of Net Zero.
2025 Analysis
We have seen a marked decrease in our carbon footprint in 2025 compared to both 2024 and our baseline year in 2022. Our Scope 2 emissions have increased slightly from 12.50 tonnes CO2e in 2024 to 13.23 tonnes CO2e in 2025. However, there has been a reduction in Scope 3 emissions from 66.76 to 61.83 tonnes CO2e.
When considering BoonBrown’s carbon footprint per employee, we have continued to see a reduction from 1.82 tonnes CO2e in 2022, to 1.50 tonnes CO2e per employee in 2024. This is a reduction of approximately 17.5% since we began recording our Carbon Footprint in 2022.
Measuring our carbon footprint continues to highlight some interesting findings and statistics, helping to raise awareness of our environmental impact, both collectively as a business and individually through our own day-to-day habits. It also gives weight to the environmental procedures we implement as part of our ISO14001 accreditation.
Read on for a reminder of how we calculate our Carbon Footprint.
Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions
There are three ‘Scopes’ which make up our Carbon Footprint calculations, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) established in 1998:
- Scope 1 covers all direct emissions from sources controlled by an organisation, such as burning fuel in company vehicles, refrigerants, and burning gas in boilers.
- Scope 2 includes indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy, such as electricity, heating, cooling, and steam.
- Scope 3 covers all remaining indirect greenhouse gas emissions from activities, from sources not owned or controlled by an organisation.
Scope 1 and 2 emissions are generally easy to quantify and record. However, Scope 3 emissions are much harder to measure despite typically accounting for 65% – 95% of an organisation’s total Carbon Footprint. Measuring Scope 3 emissions requires extensive assessment of the supply chain, including both upstream and downstream activities, and often relies heavily on estimates and third-party data.
BoonBrown Carbon Footprint
Our Carbon Footprint is calculated in tonnes of CO2e, or Carbon Dioxide Equivalent. This is a metric measure used to compare emissions of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential.
At BoonBrown, our Scope 3 emissions account for approximately 82% of our total Carbon Footprint and are broken down into the following categories:
- Employee Commuting
Calculated based on miles travelled, by transport and fuel type.
- Business Travel
Calculated in the same way as Employee Commuting.
- Business Accommodation
Based on number of nights spent in hotel accommodation.
- Waste and Recycling
Calculated based on total weight of items recycled or sent to landfill, which is recorded as part of our ISO14001 processes.
- Water Usage
Calculated using total water consumption in m3.
- Employees Working from Home
Based on average number of days per week spent working from home.
We used the Small Business Carbon Calculator created by Climate Impact Partners to convert our collected data into tonnes of CO2e.
Our total Carbon Footprint for 2022 was calculated at 80.11 tonnes CO2e, equal to approximately 20 elephants! In 2023 this increased slightly to 83.58 tonnes CO2e which can be attributed to additional recruitment and a return to normal working practices after Covid. 2025 saw a marked reduction to 75.07 tonnes CO2e. When calculated as an average per employee, we saw a reduction of 17.5% compared to our baseline 2022 figure. A full breakdown of our calculations and the emissions attributable to each of the above categories is available in our Carbon Reduction Plan on our website here.
Contact
Combining SAP with Architectural Design
Blogs
When planning new residential developments, clients often juggle multiple consultants—Architects, Planners, Assessors, and contractors. Whilst each division of expertise is necessary it can also contribute to complexity, delays, and sometimes inadequate communication and sharing of information.
That’s why integrating SAP assessment services directly with Architectural design isn’t just a smart move – It provides a strategic advantage.
The benefit of early engagement
Whether SAP services are delivered by BoonBrown or by an external consultant, the key message is timing. The earlier the SAP Assessor is involved, the more they can contribute to:
- Optimising design performance
- Achieving compliance without redesign
- Agreeing a design approach from the offset
This is true of many disciplines—energy, drainage, structural, or planning consultants—and reinforces our belief in the value of early collaboration across the whole project team.
By appointing SAP at the same time as Architectural Design the sooner BoonBrown can begin the coordination process between the two disciplines to deliver a project.
How our combined service adds value
When clients choose to appoint BoonBrown for both architectural design and SAP assessments, they gain added efficiencies that come from tight coordination between disciplines:
- Aligned design and energy strategy
With SAP and architectural teams working side by side, we’re able to model energy performance as the design develops—ensuring that creative intent and energy compliance are aligned from the outset.
- Simplified communication
Having both services under one roof means clients benefit from a single point of contact, faster decisions, and reduced back-and-forth between separate consultants.
- Integrated documentation
Our internal workflows allow for quicker production of the compliance documentation needed for planning and Building Control, with fewer delays or gaps.
In summary
At BoonBrown, we’re proud to deliver projects with strong oversight and technical precision—whether we provide full SAP services or collaborate with external consultants.
However, when clients choose our integrated architecture and SAP service, they benefit from:
- Streamlined communication and coordination
- Consistent energy and design strategies
- Faster turnaround on compliance deliverables
- Simpler project management from start to finish
Talk to us about your next project
Whether you’re planning a single dwelling or a larger development, our team can help you balance design ambition with energy efficiency, compliance, and cost certainty.
Get in touch to learn more about how BoonBrown’s integrated services can support your project—at every stage.
Contact
An internship at BoonBrown
Blogs
I was invited to write this blog because this summer I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in an internship at the architectural studio, BoonBrown, in their London office.
During my second year at university, I participated in a very meaningful project that made it possible for me to take part in this practice. The brief was to design a sustainable social housing scheme for a minority community of our choosing, in my case the Yoruba community, in the historically diverse neighbourhood of St. Paul’s, right at the centre of Bristol.
This project allowed us not only to comprehend more in-depth the intricacies of social housing, but to understand the importance of diversity in cities and accommodating the needs of a multicultural society. Throughout this project, our tutors made sure we would learn about the current housing situation in the United Kingdom, in partnership with a housing association, Stonewater, which both accompanied us through the process of designing this project as well as presented my cohort with this opportunity to work at BoonBrown, due to their relationship. In June, my project was shortlisted alongside seven others to be presented in competition at Stonewater’s office in Reading, with the winner receiving a paid internship with BoonBrown. I was very grateful to have been selected by the judges, including James Krikler, an Associate from the London studio, as well as members from Stonewater’s team and UWE Bristol.
I can only describe my two weeks at BoonBrown as a formative, enriching and overall enjoyable work experience, full of support, that made me look forward to my future as an architect and planner. This was in fact my first work experience related to my degree and therefore I did not know what to expect from it. Either way, I knew that I wanted to make the best out of this experience and looked forward to all I could learn from it. Throughout this time at the London studio, to my surprise, I got to work on three different projects, all of which allowed me to improve my skills, as well as to deepen my understanding of what true architectural work looks like. However, most importantly, it made me more confident to take on projects and to get on with work, which I most appreciate.
This next year at university, I am beginning my year abroad at the Politecnico di Milano, in Milan, Italy and I can see how many of the skills I acquired throughout this internship will be useful when both getting adjusted at this new university, as well as taking on the challenges that this new stage will present me with. BoonBrown helped me refine my technical skills in tools such as Revit, Autocad and Photoshop, showing me the importance of versatility and proficiency in a wide range of skills. It would allow me to tackle a diverse array of projects and do so both in the quickest yet most correct and accurate manner.
This takes me to my second and maybe the most important lesson from this experience, which was that of learning what true work with clients looks like. The first project I was introduced to by Technical Director Dan Dymond allowed me to interact with the intricacies of big housing projects, the way that properties need to be divided and how these boundaries are key when settling matters such as fixing fences or other affairs once the houses are inhabited. The second project, the renovation of former chicken sheds, introduced me to the demands of conforming to a budget, or at least accommodating for the cheapest ways in which one can deliver quality spaces and architecture; seeking the way in which we can best adjust to the demands of the client, while respecting the existing structure and its limits; and last but not least, dealing with deadlines and the type of drawings that may be introduced at the first discussions with clients. The third project allowed me to be introduced to a more coherent and cohesive way of presenting my future projects, experimenting with a mix of Autocad and Photoshop that helped me refine elevations and sections.
I would like to thank everyone at the office, especially Studio Director Abigail Baggley, James Krikler, Dan Dymond and Architectural Assistant Shanice Natalia for all the support, patience and confidence that they provided and invested in me throughout this work experience, as well as the rest of the team that took me on and made me feel part of BoonBrown from the first day.
It is very rewarding to know that I participated in true projects that will be built somewhere and that I got to learn so much in such a short amount of time. I now look forward to my third year in Milan and know that I have the skills to take on this challenge as well as future work experiences as an architect.
Thank you BoonBrown.
Written by
A ‘Year Out’ at BoonBrown
Blogs
Written by
As September rolls around, once again, so does the time for university enrolment and for both Taras and Grace, this means saying ‘Goodbye’ to BoonBrown. After completing their ‘year out in practice’, they have decided to return to university full-time to pursue their Master of Architecture and Part II qualifications at Manchester School of Architecture and the University of Westminster respectively.
The ‘year out’ as it is known in the architectural field, is a period of 12-months spent by Part I qualified architecture undergraduates in professional practice. Although not compulsory, to complete immediately, post-university, it has many benefits: the student can get a taste of the realities of working on live projects in the industry, have a chance to apply what they have learnt during the preceding years at university, and most importantly, continue their learning.
Previously, the path to qualification was quite prescriptive, with only the traditional route available. This comprised the year out in practice, followed by a master’s degree, a further year in professional practice, before then pursuing a Part III qualification via PGCert, completing a case study project, and then undertaking a professional interview. More recently, the apprenticeship route to qualification has been introduced, allowing students to be mentored in practice whilst attending university to obtain their Parts II and III. At BoonBrown, a number of our peers are currently pursuing this route, which you can read about here: https://boonbrown.com/architectural-apprenticeship-pathway/. The benefit is that with both options now available, the student now has the choice of which qualification pathway is best for them, and at this stage, Taras and Grace have decided that the traditional route is the right choice for them.
Taras’ Part I Experience at BoonBrown:
‘Joining BoonBrown as a Part I Architectural Assistant, I was worried I would spend the year creating door schedules and window details as many of my course mates had; I could not have been more wrong. From the outset, I was able to make meaningful contributions to projects; the office environment makes it conducive to ask questions, and I was never made to feel stupid for not knowing something. Coming from an arts degree background, my technical knowledge needed improvement, so to give me a platform to improve, the company held technical workshops and allowed me to work on working drawing packages alongside technicians. The practice also has in-house Town Planners and Landscape Architects, whom I was able to work with regularly and learn from – an opportunity not available at every practice.
All of these factors have made BoonBrown the perfect place for me to have spent my ‘year out’. Coming from university, I was convinced I wanted to work at a large-scale practice, however, on reflection, the medium-size of BoonBrown has really suited me. The practice is large enough that it has a varied portfolio of project types and scales, whilst being small enough that I have worked at almost all stages of the RIBA Plan of Work. This means that as a Part I, I have had a broad introduction to the industry, and through attending networking events and site visits, I gained experience in aspects of the industry that I otherwise would not have been exposed to at this stage in my career.
In my opinion, BoonBrown really benefits people with initiative who want to get the most out of their work, and for a Part I, I can look back on the past 18 months and see tangible evidence of how much I have progressed.’
Grace’s Part I Experience at BoonBrown:
‘After graduating from the University of Plymouth last academic year, with my Part I Architecture degree, I subsequently chose to pursue a Part I placement straight away. BoonBrown already being a practice I was somewhat familiar with, after completing work experience the previous summer. The prior exposure gave me a clear understanding of what could be expected, and the collaborative office environment fostered a productive and innovative working culture, where questions were encouraged and positively received, and ideas made, valued. I was fully immersed in projects from the beginning, from preparing design and planning applications, to technical design and handover.
BoonBrown’s commitment to personal development was evident throughout my year in practice. I engaged in internal technical and planning workshops, and was also able to attend a public consultation, which further advanced my understanding of the planning system and policies integral to the practice’s daily operations. This mixture of professions, including Landscape Architects, promoted a dynamic, multi-disciplinary approach to projects, enriching my learning and broadening my perspective on architectural practice.
My ‘year out’ has enabled me to become more confident in affirming that returning to university full-time is the right path for me, with a renewed sense of assurance across a wide range of areas and experience. Reflecting on my time at BoonBrown, I can see the progression that I have made, which I will ultimately be able to apply to my Masters of Architecture degree.’
Appreciating Architecture through the London Festival of Architecture
Blogs
Written by
The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) turning 20 is an incredible milestone, marking two decades of transformative impact on the architectural landscape of London. My journey with the LFA began in 2022, a mere nine months into my career at an architecture firm. Discovering that this festival had been fostering architectural discussions and pushing the boundaries of creativity across London for 18 years prior left me in awe.
In 2022, the LFA’s theme, ‘ACT,’ prompted reflection on navigating a post-pandemic world. During this period, I participated in a workshop hosted by EPR Architects at the RSBC Life Without Limits Centre. Titled ‘Build an Animated City – Sensory Clay Workshop,’ it was an eye-opening experience. Imagining the tactile sensation of clay in my hands with closed eyes allowed me to appreciate the importance of inclusive design and sensory perception profoundly.
Fast forward to 2023, when Brixton was selected as one of the festival’s destinations. With one of our offices newly established in Brixton, our involvement was inevitable. The theme, ‘IN COMMON,’ provided fertile ground for our imaginations to run wild. Delving into Brixton’s common land, we discovered its significant reduction over time, prompting us to imagine what it might have looked like had those commons remained intact.
While some of us, along with students from a local school, focused on illustrating Brixton’s common land history and envisaging a new Brixton designed for people in harmony with nature, others explored what makes Brixton unique today.
Inspired by its music, culture, and diverse community, we sought to capture Brixton’s vibrancy by incorporating its bold colours onto our building.
Using Tunstall Hall as a canvas to re-imagine and extend Brixton’s colourful identity to our road, we employed perspex to represent our findings, attaching it to the bars of our studio’s façade.
Additionally, we made use of Brixton’s amazing mural network by organising a self-guided mural tour. We put together a map our guests could take away, highlighting some of the most poignant murals which capture moments in time spanning at least 40 years, commemorate important heroes and reflect rich culture.
The opening night of our exhibition was on the 20th of June 2023, and it was nerve-wracking yet exhilarating. Countless man-hours were poured into preparations, from crafting kiosks to attaching perspex to our studio’s facade until the very morning of the event! As industry professionals, local residents, and community leaders gathered to explore our installations and engage in discussions, it became evident that our exhibition had succeeded in bridging diverse perspectives and igniting conversations about the future of our city.
Now, in 2024, as the LFA embarks on its 20th-anniversary celebrations, the theme of ‘REIMAGINE’ beckoning us, we’re focusing on a recent opportunity that arose from last year’s event. The Tunstall Road residents’ group enlisted our help to redesign their street, which, much like ours, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Through surveys and community collaboration, we aim to address their concerns and envision a more vibrant and inclusive streetscape.
In addition to the Tunstall Road project, our exhibition for 2024 features a collaborative map of artwork reflecting London through our eyes. It’s been a rewarding experience, showcasing everyone’s creative abilities even though as architects sometimes we go weeks without hand drawing!
Furthermore, we’re collaborating with the charity New Initiatives to commemorate heroes who have made a difference through accurate portrayals by young people.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming exhibition, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities the LFA has provided me to engage with my community, push the boundaries of architectural practice, and contribute to positive change.
Join us once again as we celebrate two decades of creativity, collaboration, and community at the London Festival of Architecture—a testament to the enduring power of architecture to shape lives and inspire generations.
The exhibition will be up for viewing at our London studio in Brixton between the 17th and 28th of June, so make sure to book your free ticket!
Location:
Tunstall Hall, Bernay’s Grove
London SW9 8DF
Time:
10am – 4pm
Tickets are available here:
RE-IMAGING BRIXTON EXHIBITION
The Common Beech
Blogs
The Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) is one of the most iconic trees, particularly in the south of the UK. It is a common feature in the Somerset landscape and is currently under threat as a result of climate change.
The Common beech is considered one of Europe’s most ecologically and economically valuable tree species, providing vital habitat for wildlife and contributing significantly to both the water and carbon cycles. It is one of the largest trees in Britain and can reach heights of up to 130ft, earning it the title of the ‘Queen of the Trees’. In Hagg Wood, Derbyshire, a beech tree measured 45m in 2018 and is believed to be the tallest native tree in England.
Reduced rainfall and higher temperatures predicted over the next 70 years could create conditions that limit beech tree growth by 20 to 30% in central Europe. In southern Europe, losses could exceed 50%*. Such declines are considered indicators of future dieback and signal the potential loss of vast areas of forest across the continent. Conversely, mountainous regions may become increasingly suitable for beech, potentially leading to an expansion of planting in these areas.
The main climate change impacts anticipated for beech include drier and warmer summers, particularly in southern, central and eastern England, leading to more severe soil moisture deficits and reduced tree growth. Changes in rainfall patterns are also expected, with wetter autumn and winter periods causing greater fluctuations in water tables. This can restrict root depth, reduce tree stability and increase the risk of windthrow.
Warmer winters are likely to increase both the incidence and severity of tree diseases and pest outbreaks, allowing pests and pathogens to expand their geographic range. Alongside this, the heightened risk of fire associated with hotter and drier summers presents an additional threat to woodland ecosystems.
It is therefore likely that beech will become less common in Somerset over time. As species suitability changes, woodland management will need to focus on increasing habitat resilience. Lesser-known species, including those from regions with climates similar to those projected for southern England, may become more prevalent due to their greater adaptability to warmer and drier conditions. Consequently, species selection will need to be carefully matched to site-specific conditions.
These principles are increasingly being applied in forest management, with vulnerable sites identified as priorities for intervention. As Landscape Architects, it is imperative that the selection of tree and shrub species is informed by long-term climatic predictions rather than simply responding to existing baseline conditions.
Young and newly established trees, together with street trees and hedgerow trees, are likely to be among the first affected by climate change. Ancient and native woodlands will also experience significant impacts, with changing species composition and shifts in distribution. Beech, in particular, is expected to become more prevalent in the north and west of England.
Changes are also anticipated within vegetation community structures due to altered plant competition. Factors influencing these changes include increased leaf area, earlier leaf emergence, shifting growing season temperatures and drier soil conditions. The age structure of tree stands may also be affected by more frequent natural disturbance events, while heavily visited woodlands could face a greater risk of fire damage.
Landscape management will need to be adaptive and tailored to individual sites. Measures may include increasing tree species diversity, enhancing monitoring and intervention where appropriate, and selecting planting stock originating from locations up to two degrees latitude south of the planting site. A small proportion of stock from up to five degrees south may also be appropriate in mixed provenance planting where species have low frost sensitivity.
Additional management measures include enhanced pest and disease monitoring, increased thinning to reduce moisture demand in open stands, greater species diversity, improved public awareness and vigilance, and the development of contingency plans supported by regular fire-response training.
When managing ancient woodland or creating new native woodland, it is important to understand local climate change pressures and the limitations they place on component species such as beech, a dominant species within Somerset’s woodlands. Woodland planting strategies should incorporate an element of non-local native material to improve resilience to future climate conditions.
In new native woodlands, introducing a small proportion of species from hotter and drier regions of continental Europe may further enhance long-term resilience. However, species selection should be based on regions that currently experience conditions similar to those projected for England in the future. Careful consideration must also be given to potential impacts on native biodiversity, including competition and invasiveness.
At least 80% of woodland planting should remain native, although a small proportion of carefully selected non-native species may provide benefits where they are well suited to site conditions and present no invasive threat. Long-term woodland management will continue to rely on natural regeneration and evolutionary adaptation.
The expansion of invasive flora and fauna is likely as warming climates allow species to extend their ranges and increase population sizes. Coppicing and traditional woodland management techniques can improve drought resilience because established stools possess deeper root systems than regenerating seedlings or newly planted stock. Expanding areas of ancient woodland pasture and parkland can also support the dispersal of many woodland species.
It is essential that long-term changes within woodlands are monitored, recorded and reviewed regularly. Extending existing woodland areas and improving connections with semi-natural habitats can help strengthen resilience. Hedgerows and shelterbelts can facilitate species movement across agricultural landscapes, while widening riparian corridors and other linear semi-natural features can help reduce habitat fragmentation.
Larger and less fragmented woodland areas are generally more robust in the face of environmental pressures. Well-connected woodland networks will provide opportunities for native flora and fauna to migrate and adapt as climate change continues to progress.
Beyond anticipated changes in species composition, woodland planting also plays an important role in combating climate change. For example, woodland established in valley bottoms prone to flooding can help attenuate peak flows downstream, reducing flood risk in towns and cities. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon within woody biomass.
Wood products can further contribute to climate mitigation by providing alternatives to materials whose production generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Planting woodland within urban environments can deliver a range of additional benefits, including reduced stress, improved wellbeing, lower noise levels, reduced air pollution, increased shelter and an enhanced visual environment.
Planning proactively for change within our landscapes will deliver the greatest long-term benefits, helping to ensure that our woodlands remain resilient, healthy and capable of adapting to future climatic conditions.
References
Europe’s beech forests threatened by climate change (europa.eu)
Martinez del Castillo, E., Zang, C.S., Buras, A. et al. (2022) Climate-change-driven growth decline of European beech forests. Communications Biology, 5, 163.
Climate change: impacts and adaptation in England’s woodlands (Forest Research)
Adapting Forest and Woodland Management to the Changing Climate, UK Forestry Standard Practice Guide (2022).
AI in Architecture
Blogs
Written by
The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) prompts us to ponder the possibility of being supplanted by computers, sparking debates about the future of practice, the ethical implications of AI and the need for a balance between technological advancement and human well-being. Whilst the progression and integration of AI is unfolding, its potential is yet unknown.
“I have been around long enough to see multiple waves of technological change in the industry and this argument happens every single time… It happened during CAD [Computer-Aided Design], it happened during BIM [Building Information Modelling], and now it’s happening with AI.”
“We always seem to survive these things.” Phillip Bernstein
Throughout the journey, from drawing boards to the expansion of computers and the digital realm, the built environment has consistently advanced, effortlessly fusing architectural innovation with cutting-edge technologies. The evolvement of AI has allowed for the generation of design concepts and iterations, visualisations and renderings, whilst also assisting with data analysis, costings, proofreading and generating text. AI is being developed for different uses seemingly every month. Whilst having a software to assist in producing all of these things will save time, it can come with an overreliance on technology, therefore, limiting creativity. Additionally, there is the risk that currently, AI softwares are not yet advanced enough and will produce incorrect data or unusable outputs, whilst providing a price tag for usage and licensing. Architect, Norman Foster, says, “We live in a world which is physical, we inhabit buildings, streets, squares. That physicality, you can’t replicate by artificial intelligence.”
Whilst AI may become a standard in the industry moving forward, human oversight, creativity and knowledge will likely still be imperative to creating the physical architecture itself. With new AI softwares, such as MidJourney, Dalle and LookX, we need to strike the right balance between utilising AI as a useful tool for efficiency and ensuring human input and control.
Does AI merely represent a novel tool in our technology, or does it pose the potential to replace the role of Architects?
AI is not just a software, it is a culture and environment that we need to adapt to in order to progress within this ever-evolving field. The industry thrives on progress and within the intricate tools that AI has opened, there is a new realm of creative possibility to push design and efficiency further. Although not yet fully discovered, it is important to stay up to date, to ensure that we can remain fully in control. There are major architectural practices actively utilising and experimenting with AI, integrating it into their business models, those who choose to ignore it will ultimately struggle to keep up with the industry.
“You can’t run away from it, you need to run towards it” Errazuriz
Whilst the potential of AI is undoubtably evolving, it is interesting to gain an understanding of what AI thinks it is/will be capable of in the future. We have put the above question into ChatGPT and generated the following response:
“The role of AI in architecture is a subject of ongoing debate. While AI unquestionably serves as a powerful tool, its potential to replace the role of architects is a nuanced question. AI can significantly enhance the design process, aiding architects in generating innovative ideas, optimizing designs, and streamlining aspects of construction. However, the creative and intuitive aspects of architectural design, which involve understanding cultural contexts, human emotions, and aesthetic nuances, remain inherently human.
AI is most effective when it complements the skills of architects, offering tools to expedite tasks, analyse vast datasets, and suggest design solutions. The collaborative synergy between human creativity and AI efficiency holds promise for pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. Yet, the ethical considerations, the need for subjective judgment, and the intricacies of human experience underscore the irreplaceable role of architects in shaping spaces that resonate with people. Striking a balance between leveraging AI as a valuable assistant and preserving the essence of human-centric design is crucial for the harmonious evolution of architecture in the age of AI.”
The danger of relying on AI, will result in the establishment of who is legally responsible if an AI generation was to cause a fault or delay. Will it be the AI software, the person who created the AI software or the Architect? It could be that, if you have not checked or controlled the output from AI, then that is your fault. We shape our tools, and they shape us. You do not blame the flatpack furniture company if you have built it wrong, so why should we blame the AI software if you do not know how to use it?
There are questions surrounding authorship and originality which pose significant challenges. The UK Government appears to be taking AI seriously, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, attended an AI safety summit in November 2023, although the issue of authorship has not yet been solved. In the UK’s legal framework, the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 (‘CDPA’) theoretically extends copyright protection to computer-generated works, even in the absence of a human creator. According to the law, if a work is “generated by computer in circumstances where there is no human author,” the individual who undertakes the necessary arrangements for its creation is deemed the author, i.e. the developer of the AI. Such certainty will only prevail once copyright and insurance status are resolved.
As students, we had a prior interest in the subject matter of AI, however, this year, our studio brief has embraced AI software and their capabilities, which has given us the opportunity to develop our knowledge and understanding on a more practical level. Through gaining a more thorough understanding of its usage, we have been able to teach and make our colleagues aware of the AI tools available and what they can do. During our university studio sessions, we have been integrating AI into our proposals and learning how to use it appropriately and effectively, generating design concepts and visualisations. During the last academic year, the majority of our outputs have been unsuccessful, however, the clear progression in real time of these tools has been illuminating and they have allowed us to learn not to rely on their outputs, but to use them as tools to drive certain design choices.
“Good ideas come from everywhere. It’s more important to recognise a good idea than to author it.” Jeanne Gang
So, is AI a tool, or will it become something more? Will Architects be replaced? Without knowing the full future of AI and only speaking for the existing platforms and predicted evolution, the industry will need to adapt. Remaining in control of AI is a skill that we need to learn in order to progress with the new technologies that evolve every day. If we fail to adapt, we may lose out, but by taking the opportunities that come from AI, we may also have better jobs and opportunities as a result.
