The future is now – quite literally: the UK’s goal to reach major milestones in its net zero strategy by 2030 is now only eight years away. So how does building design need to change, improve, or adapt in order to result in both great spaces and a bright future?

To take an in-depth look at this question and discuss ideas and approaches, we are launching a Webinar Series titled "Designing for the Future", which will run from February to March 2022.

The series will start off with a panel discussion hosted by Clare Dowdy, a writer and editor specialising in design, architecture and branding who is regularly featured in the likes of Wallpaper*, Monocle, and BBC Culture.

The panel, consisting of Hero Bennett, Sustainability Leader at Max Fordham, Raheela Khan-Fitzgerald, Architect and Whole Life Carbon and Sustainability Designer at Hawkins\Brown, Christian Dimbleby, an architect experienced in inclusive net zero design, the circular economy, embodied carbon, building performance and natural materials at Architype, and Judit Kimpian, author and teacher for net zero policy and architecture, will discuss the impact of retrofit, decarbonisation schemes, challenges and opportunities for the industry and some learnings from COP 26.

In the coming weeks, the panel will be followed by four webinars that will look at case studies on some of our most exemplar projects, in collaboration with the architects.

You can find all upcoming webinars below – the list will regularly be updated with dates and times as well as links to register for the talks.

1. Introductory panel discussion

Thursday 24th February 2022, 12pm
Watch the recording here

2. New Builds: Croft Gardens, Kings College, University of Cambridge

Wednesday 9th March 2022, 1-2pm
Watch the recording here

3. Decarbonisation of Estates: Wolfson College Oxford

Thursday 24th March 2022, 3.30-4.30pm
Watch the recording here

4. Retrofits: Rylands Building

Friday 1st April 2022, 9-10am

5. Designing for the Future: The Entopia Building

Wednesday 20th April, 12-1pm
Watch the recording here