Re-Fabricate – An RIBA Young Architects Initiative

Re-fabricate is a collaborative research project calling for architects and designers to craft and innovate new materials and uses from waste produce and a part of the RIBA Young Architects Initiative. Architect Roseanne Scott based in our London Studio sits on the committee for the project and discusses its aims and details of how to get involved below:

What is it?

Launched in September 2019, Refabricate is a new collaborative research programme for young architects and creative professionals. It aims to be an annual event for young architects to develop skills with hands-on materials, creative professional collaboration, business management and networking skills. It is an innovative new programme intended to offer young creative and craft professionals an opportunity to work together to combat the considerable issue of waste in the construction industry.

 

Why does it exist?

In  2014 the UK generated 202.8 million tonnes of waste for which the construction industry was responsible for 59%. In total, buildings and construction are responsible for 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide. On top of this London has an Ecological Footprint of  5.48 global hectares. To be sustainable it must be no more than 1.7 global hectares.

 

What’s the brief?

The project itself allocates participants into multi-skilled teams. Together they research and develop a prototype or intervention that looks at how a specific material such as timber or plastic can be used in a more cyclical way.

The materials are:

  • Timber
  • Aggregate (brick, concrete or ceramics)
  • Glass
  • Textiles
  • Plastics

In the final proposal teams must show how this new material prototype can intervene with our urban environment to enable self-sustaining cities with reduced environmental impact. The intervention must both be a driver towards a more considered approach to waste production in the industry and also respond to the wider movement towards more sustainable cities.

Full details of the brief can be found on our website www.re-fabricate.co.uk

The programme is scheduled to begin in February and will last for four months. Over the period there will be a series of networking events to mark the progress of the teams and exhibitions of the final proposals at completion. The Re-Fabricate committee are currently looking for sustainability focused practices or individuals to mentor the teams throughout the project.

How to get involved

Those looking to get involved, either through participating or as a mentor, can do so by registering their interest on the Re-fabricate website or by emailing ribarefab@gmail.com.