Hello and welcome! Here is a brief summary of what we've been up to and upcoming projects.
We've now completed a project funded by Sheffield Hallam University, to explore issues around council assets and how these might be better connected and used by communities. Working with a fantastic team of architecture and landscape graduates, our research and proposals focus on public space in Fir Vale, and strategies for better connecting council-owned space & buildings. We hope these will inform larger, more targeted research bids, and re-start the conversation around this issue, particularly in light of issues exacerbated by Covid-19 and increasing climate-driven change in the city. Initial findings are here and we have started discuissions with Sheffield City Council on how research might be targeted.
Our Aquaponics Microfarm structure for the University of Sheffield is now on site as a self-build by Regather.This uses connected systems of fish and soil-free plant growing to address issues of urban food supply. In a similar vein, we've inititated and got planning for our project at Abbeydale Picture House to design a modular street furniture unit that uses algal bioreactors and green walls to explore how these can reduce air-borne pollutants and are awaiting funding.
We continue our exciting project around play structures with The Hepworth in Wakefield, and hope to be able to produce and install the playful infrastructure in the fantastic gardens early next year.
Our project for a carbon-positive theatre project in Sheffield with cycle-powered thespians The Handlebards is underway linking the Baubotanik team at TU Munchen, Heeley Development Trust and the University of Sheffield. In the meantime we designed and built them a modular stage for their summer tour and have been testing mycelium-based panels for a structure linked to this.
Our space in the British Pavillion at the next Venice Biennale will now be opened in 2021. Curated by Unscene Architecture, the pavillion as a whole is themed around the privatisation of public space, and we have examined issues around the high street as part of this. We've also been featured in the Tbilisi Biennal this year alongside of host of other organistaions exploring the commons.