About the event

‘Sustainable design’ asks; How we can design while aiming to do no harm? Unfortunately, when we don’t reach that aim, we end up doing harm. ‘Regenerative design’ asks a different question; How can we design in a way that increases biodiversity, reduces carbon and leads to flourishing communities? In short, how can we design so that people (and the ecosystems that support them) thrive.

In his recently published book ‘The Regenerative structural engineer’ James Norman explores how designers can bring about change. Using creative metaphors and case studies James will:

• Explain how designers can change their practice now — to create a regenerative future
• Explore the different levels of change — from individual projects to the culture of the construction industry
• Illustrate how we can learn from living systems
• Show how, by considering not just our site but the whole supply and waste chain, we can reimagine our impact — both positive and negative

James will set out a creative call for radical change; encouraging designers, and anyone else involved in the built environment, to think and design differently — to do more good.

About the speaker

James Norman, Professor of Sustainable design, Bristol University

James is an award-winning engineer and teacher who has designed landmark buildings and developed innovative teaching that combines practice with learning. He’s written several books for engineers and students making sustainable building a reality; on timber structures, conceptual design, and most recently the future of structural design.

James is committed to making sustainable engineering as accessible as possible, through his writing, lecturing and blogs.