Space Architects' story
The firm was established in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1957, and today works with clients in the North East of England as well as across the UK and internationally. Space Architects has identified three areas which the team of architects, designers and technologists prioritise on all their projects - priorities which could apply to the design of most new developments and urban spaces: creative re-use of existing buildings; design optimisation to reduce waste and emissions; minimising operational and embodied carbon at the outset.
As part of being a B Corporation organisation, and in response to the climate emergency and acknowledging buildings' impact on global warming, the firm has set itself targets to be a carbon-neutral business by 2023 and net-zero carbon by 2030.
Space Architects also hosts an annual conference that focuses on sustainability and innovation, helping to increase knowledge of decarbonising the built environment and inspire change across the construction sector.
Useful learnings from Space Architects
Towns and cities have a wealth of existing buildings that are no longer fit for purpose or have fallen into a state of disrepair. With increasing compliance requirements, typically, these buildings are demolished and replaced. However, with creative re-use, existing buildings can be brought back to life and be a catalyst for regeneration; at the same time, the redesigned building's embodied carbon is reduced by retaining elements of the existing structure.
With buildings contributing 40% to carbon emissions, decarbonising the industry is critical to maintaining global warming below 1.5C. Consider operational and embodied carbon at the outset of any project as this can provide the best opportunity to incorporate passive design measures in the completed design.
Space Architects' metrics
Targets to reduce the firm's Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Collaborative relationships with clients to deliver sustainable buildings.
Investment in learning and research to continually increase our people's knowledge and skills to deliver sustainable buildings.
