Since our beginnings in 2014, Studio Bark have been recognised for having a strong environmental ethos.
As the volume of evidence and debate escalates, we, like may others, recognise the urgent need for reform of the built environment sector. Below we’ve outlined some of the main ways we’ve been taking positive steps as part of the growing movement in the profession.
Cover Image: Natasha Leoni
This year Studio Bark are running a design unit at the University of East London (@ACEatUEL). The students are looking at ‘meanwhile’ sites in the context of an increasingly circular economy.
A rigorous and evidence-based understanding of site climate is key to enabling appropriate design responses. Therefore, over the next few months we’ll be introducing students to design software that will enable quantitative analysis of site and microclimate. These skills are increasingly sought-after in architectural practice and will put students in a good position to make a positive contribution to the built environment after graduation.
Image Credit: Jun Yap, student work by Nuriyah Malik
The site is a redundant brick warehouse in Newham. Students have already undertaken a material study, using waste materials found around the site. Students re-imagined how their materials could be re-used as part of a circular economy considering factors including embodied energy, disassembly and reuse, and ecological impacts. These themes will be explored with increasing rigour over the course of the academic year.
Visit our Unit 0 project page for more information.
Architect’s Declare
The built environment sector, responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions, is likely to be subject to challenging demands, which will need to be implemented at speed. The more discussion and knowledge sharing between practices, the better.
Together with 728 other practices (and counting) Studio Bark have signed up to Architects Declare.
The first event is on the 27th November, where members of the team will be facilitating discussions.
We believe architectural activism and architecture of protest are credible, professional and necessary.
The Extinction Rebellion protests in October saw U-Build re-imagined as a roadblock at Trafalgar Square. The resulting dezeen article on ‘protest architecture‘ and the AJ weekly roundup title ‘protest and survive‘ seemed to chime with growing impetus for action among architectural professionals.
Two members of the team, Nick (pictured) and Tom, have been particularly active in the rebellion. Tom’s opinion piece for the Architect’s Journal is a recommended read for anyone interested in finding out more, including reflections on the ARB and RIBA stance on rebellion.
Image Credit: Natasha Leoni
This year members of Studio Bark have also joined up to the Architect’s Climate Action Network (ACAN). The campaign group has three overarching aims relating to decarbonisation , ecological regeneration and cultural transformation.
Anyone interested in joining the network, and potentially offering support to one of its working groups, can sign up here.
Fortnightly meetings are open to all, and usually take place on Tuesday Evenings. Check their website and twitter for regular updates.
Image Credit: Keith Van Loen
