Review by Rob Fiehn, director of the London Society
The new exhibition from architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios ‚ Architecture for a Changing World: Rethinking the Future ‚ certainly practices what it preaches.
Text and images are hung from interconnected frames that are made of wood sourced from Fallen and Felled, a company that specialises in using timber from mature trees in London that are cut down every year.
The joints holding it all together have been created using 3D-printed nodes that are comprised of recycled filaments, while the shelves and tabletops are provided by Smile Plastics which is yet another recycled product.
This display network features a ton of projects and case studies from FCBS and other voices that reveal how we might think about new types of architecture under the challenges brought about by the climate crisis.
Arranged through a series of themes (Rejuvenate, React, Regenerate, Revitalise and Reconnect), the exhibition acts as both a manifesto and a practical guide. It seems that we have the tools we need to build a more sustainable world but it will involve us rethinking how we might use materials, engaging with communities to make a fairer society and, most importantly, reusing the buildings and structures around us.
It’s very easy for architects to claim that they run sustainable practices but they must also ‘show their working’ and shine a light on the best ways forward. I was impressed that the curators of this show were proud to stand by their ethos and it’s clear they want to inspire others to join their call to arms.
While I enjoyed the exhibition itself, the work has not stopped there. FCBS has organised a number of events to coincide with the show, involving talks, workshops, symposia and even a PechaKucha, a storytelling format in which a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds of commentary each. Updated details are being added to their website here.
The exhibition is open Mon ‚ Fri, 9:00am ‚ 5:30pm.
FCBStudios, Twenty Tottenham Street, London, W1T 4RG
