Daily COP26 briefing: today’s COP26 briefing includes an Olafur Eliasson artwork, electric vehicle charging points designed by the RCA and a guide to the events taking place on Cities, Regions & Built Environment Day.
Throughout COP26, we are publishing regular updates of what’s happening at the climate conference and surrounding events. See all our COP26 coverage here.
Voices for Earth projection illuminates COP venue
The Foster + Partners-designed SEC Armadillo building, which is one of the venues for COP26, was illuminated by a one-hour-long light show including artworks by Danish designer Danish-Icelandic artist Eliasson, French artist JR and American filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, and photographers Cristina Mittermeier and Steve McCurry.
Named Voices for Earth, the light show was directed by American Oscar-winning documentary maker Louie Psihoyos.
“I conceived the artwork Earth Speakr with kids around the world,” said Eliasson “It’s their voices, their concerns about the climate and their hopes for the future which must be heard by global leaders at COP26.”
Royal College of Art designs electric vehicle charging point for UK network
The design of an electric vehicle charging point that is set to be rolled out across the country has been revealed at COP26. Designed by London university Royal College of Art (RCA) and technology consultant PA Consulting, the charging point is intended to be “as recognisable as the red post box or black cab”.
The charging points will be installed across the UK from 2022.
“This design is a landmark in our journey to electric vehicles and zero carbon,” said RCA lead designer Clive Grinyer.
“We have listened to people around the country who asked to have a minimum impact on their streets, to ensure that it works well for disabled and all people and that we bring the UK’s design and engineering talent to create an iconic design that we can all be proud of.”
Design Museum launches national net-zero research programme
London’s design museum is collaborating with the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, UK Research and Innovation to launch a nationwide research programme focused on moving towards a net-zero future.
Named Future Observatory, the programme will aim “to show how design research can drive Britain’s future prosperity”.
“Future Observatory is a catalyst for bringing design research to life and connecting it to industry and policy-making so that it can have greater impact on the challenges the UK faces,” said Design Museum chief curator and Future Observatory director Justin McGuirk.
“We’re using the power of the Design Museum as a place that brings people together to imagine, debate and hopefully shape a better future.”
Built environment day kicks off
Today’s COP26 conference features a range of talks dedicated to the built environment. Officially called Cities, Regions & Built Environment Day, it will see talks from hosted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Carbon Trust and Royal Institute British Architects (RIBA). See below for an events listing of the highlights.
COP26 events on built environment day:
Enhancing ambition on climate change in cities and regions
Hosted by the Carbon Trust, this event will aim to show how cities “can play a more ambitious role in addressing climate change and reaching the goal of net zero”.
Fix the economy to fix climate change
Hosted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, this talk will focus on how businesses can integrate the circular economy into their overall strategy. It will showcase examples of companies integrating the circular economy into their business.
Disability, Resilience and Inclusion in our Cities – inclusive design and community-led urban solutions for disability-inclusive climate resilience
Hosted by the Global Disability Innovation Hub, this side event will aim to “set an agenda for the inclusive design of climate-resilient cities”.
Inside the RIBA International Awards for Built Environment Day
At this virtual event, the chair of the RIBA awards group Jo Bacon will explain and explore five sustainable case studies from this year’s RIBA International Awards for Excellence winners.
UK Green Building Council Launch of Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the Built Environment
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) is launching its Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap today with an event that will invite responses from panellists on how the plan can be realised.
Accelerating Climate Action in Cities
Taking place at the UK Presidency Pavilion, this event will launch the Urban Climate Action Programme and aim to explain how it “will support participating cities in developing countries to shape and deliver net-zero ambition to build low carbon and climate-resilient cities”.
Climate Activism in the Built Environment: An Introduction to Architects Climate Action Network
This event hosted by the Architects Climate Action Network will showcase the current work that the climate action group is undertaking.
Sustainability in structural engineering: Panel discussion
Hosted by the Scottish Regional Group of the Institution of Structural Engineers, this talk will focus on the role structural engineers have in creating a more sustainable built environment.
Delivering net-zero carbon buildings in cities – recent examples and what needs to happen next?
Hosted by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, this discussion will include a talk by UK studio Foster + Partners. The studio will present a “science-based journey refurbishing the historic Acciona Ombu building in Madrid”.
COP26 takes place at SEC Centre in Glasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021. See Dezeen Events Guide for all the latest information you need to know to attend the event, as well as a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.
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