ARCHITECTURE AT QUEEN’S DECLARES CLIMATE EMERGENCY
27 September 2019
In response to the global ecological crisis, with all its potential devastating consequences, Architecture at Queen’s University declared a climate emergency at an event in the Ashby Building this week (Monday 23 September).
The School took the decision in order to empower its students and staff to address the enormity of this challenge.
At a Welcome Event for all students in Architecture and Construction Project Management at Queen’s, Dr Sarah Lappin, Head of Architecture, launched the department's Climate Emergency declaration.
Dr Lappin was joined by the Head of School, Professor Greg Keeffe and over 250 colleagues and students at the event which included short videos of support from the School’s wider family. These included statements from former external examiner and architect Julia Barfield, Marks Barfield Architects, (architects of the London Eye and many other projects), and current President of the RIBA, Professor Alan Jones, from Queen’s.
As a result of the declaration, teaching and research practices will be interrogated to ensure that the School is doing the least possible damage while conducting teaching, research and outreach in the wider community.
“I am delighted to see Queen’s Architecture and Construction Project Management taking the brave step of being the first in our institution to declare a Climate Emergency,” said Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Price.
“Architects, and those who deliver buildings in particular, have a huge and long lasting impact on our living spaces, and as it is critical that humanity starts to live in a different way to ensure long-term sustainability of our planet. Attention to the built environment is a key element to achieving that change.
“The architects and construction managers of tomorrow can truly change our world. I am delighted to see our team stepping up to the challenge, and making a difference.”
Architecture will now integrate climate action into every module starting immediately in the 2019-20 academic year. A spokesperson said: “In confronting these serious challenges head on, we will build on our long-standing facility to create meaningful and inspirational spaces.
“In addition, the School will interrogate our teaching and research practices to ensure the least possible damage is done while conducting teaching, research and outreach in our wider community.”
Queen’s Architecture has a significant body of local, national and internationally-based staff and students, alumni and wider family including employers, external examiners, guest critics and other critical friends, to help address the urgent need to find solutions to these imminent threats.
Architectural practices in Northern Ireland joined marches across the country (on 20 September) in solidarity with the Climate Strike demonstrations and industrial action to demand immediate action.
Speaking ahead of the strike action to the Architects’ Journal, RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) President, Alan Jones (who is also a Queen’s graduate), said: “This week’s strike represents a significant moment in climate action, with people around the world rallying to demand change from governments and industries.
“I hope architects will participate in some form, to progress the issue and improve the way they practice to address this major problem. The RIBA is supporting a number of its staff to participate in the strike, and holding workshops for colleagues to share information and discuss practical actions that all individuals can take.
“Our profession has a very significant role to play in tackling the emergency. Architects have the knowledge and insights, skills and evidence to reduce carbon emissions – we must step up and take the lead.”
For general enquiries about this story, or to submit graduate news items, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen's University Belfast or telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.
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