Sustainable Architecture Series
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
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Project Description
To raise awareness about sustainable building solutions, beyond the building industry, is the key to tackling existing and future challenges. Change within the building industry can only progress when a wider audience is approached. A series of picture books and playful educational games, will take upon the challenge to transform complex information into easy-to-understand illustrations. Targeted at our little ones these books will inspire and open the eyes of grown ups and children alike.
Geographical Scope
Project Region
Urban or rural issues
Physical or other transformations
EU Programme or fund
Which funds
Description of the project
Summary
My idea is based around my research from my Master's thesis ("A different spin on insulation - illustrated ideas on sustainable retrofitting in New Zealand") two years ago. Conversations across the building sector, but also speaking about my work with ordinary people, made me realise, that there are large gaps in education about zero carbon building practices, building materials and how to operate buildings sustainable. When I combined my background in architecture with my job as an illustrator, it became obvious that illustrated books can be a powerful tool to educate people. The research on existing children books has shown that there are countless books on climate change that talk about recycling, saving water or public transport. While none of them are addressing topics around sustainable architecture, and how our cities and houses have a large potential to reduce global warming. This was my call. To start creating a series of picture books that talk about the opportunities we have in the building sector, using simple words and illustrations, making complex topics easily understandable for children and Adults.
Key objectives for sustainability
The first step towards change is always acknowledgement. Without the background knowledge no-one can make informed decisions concerning sustainability in any sector. This is why I believe that we have to educate people outside the building industry, to make it possible for them to judge which materials they want to choose, where to build their house or what type of heating they want to install. A key topic of the books will be also to explain the term embodied carbon and understanding how certain materials can go back into a cycle and others are determined to go to landfill. Furthermore, they will give an understanding of the environmental impact materials have. It will explore the idea of re-using parts of a building, or that renovating releases far less carbon than a new build project.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The books will be hand illustrated and produced on environmental friendly paper. My aim is to create not only educational material on technical facts but to teach kids the basics of aesthetics with layout, fonts, graphics and colour palettes. Some books will have textures for children to touch e.g. learning about building materials. Some books will have educational games to compliment the content and will encourage children (and adults) to get creative, build and experiment. The books and games will be a great present as well as a helpful tool for teachers and educators all around the world. It will set an example for other publishers; to focus on the topic of sustainable zero carbon built environment, and initiate a new era of children education.
Key objectives for inclusion
The books will go hand in hand with an educational platform that will create an environment for everyone to share, discuss and learn. There will be information to download, events online and offline, opportunities to meet up and we can have people participate in polls, looking what they are interested in most and seeing how different challenges are in different countries all over the world. We can get the best out of every country and combine it to a best building practice we educate on.
Physical or other transformations
Innovative character
With my books we could be spreading information about sustainability in a very aesthetic way through illustration and words (books would be translated in many languages). In combination with the platform we could get knowledge to everyone in the world and give everyone the opportunity to make their own decisions and take action for a zero carbon future.
