A CAPTIVATING EVENING AT THE BUILDING CENTRE
On 4th September 2024, the screening of the film “Retrofit Reimagined” captivated an engaged audience at the Building Centre. The event was expertly guided by Hattie Hartman, Sustainability Editor at The Architects’ Journal. The central question of the evening posed a powerful provocation: “What if the climate transition and retrofit of our homes and streets were designed, owned, and governed by the people who live there?”
SETTING THE STAGE FOR A NEW VISION
The evening began with an insightful introduction by Sara Edmonds, Co-Director of the National Retrofit Hub. She set the stage for the film by highlighting the collaborative efforts that shaped the Retrofit Reimagined events programme. Edmonds underscored the vital role of community engagement and the need for innovative governance models in the retrofit process; elements that were intricately woven into the fabric of the Retrofit Reimagined series.
A FILM THAT INSPIRES ACTION
As the lights dimmed, the audience was presented with the thought-provoking screening of “Retrofit Reimagined.” This film dives deep into the concept of retrofitting from a citizen-led perspective, revealing the immense potential for empowering local communities to shape their own environmental futures. Through powerful case studies and innovative collaborations grounded in community centered ideas, the film challenges the traditional top-down approaches to retrofit projects, showcasing what’s possible when communities take the lead.
A DYNAMIC PANEL DISCUSSION: EXPLORING THE RIPPLEEFFECTS
The film’s screening was followed by an in-depth panel discussion featuring experts from various fields:
- Rebecca Cooper from Retrofit Action for Tomorrow
- Rob Hargraves from Energy Systems Catapult
- Neal Shasore from the London School of Architecture
- Jack Ostrofsky from London Councils
Each panelist brought a unique perspective, contributing to a dynamic conversation about the implications of a citizen-led retrofit approach at scale.
Rebecca Cooper emphasized the ripple effect of involving communities directly in retrofit projects, drawing from her experience working with primary schools. She illustrated how local ownership can drive more sustainable and tailored solutions, empowering even the youngest members of our communities to be the ones who can hold decision makers to account.
Rob Hargraves reflected on the film’s ability to communicate the joy of collaborative approaches to these challenges. He offered insights into how systems could be reimagined to support community-driven initiatives, stressing that working in communities can overcome significant barriers.
Neal Shasore questioned how these community-led models could scale beyond pilot projects to broader urban and regional contexts. He discussed the need for innovative governance and financing mechanisms, noting that driving engagement requires a multi-faceted approach.
Jack Ostrofsky focused on the practicalities of implementation, arguing that for a citizen-led approach to succeed, it is crucial to build knowledge and demand within communities. He stressed the importance of breaking down barriers to participation and understanding, ensuring that residents are equipped to engage with and contribute to these vital schemes.
UNLOCKING LATENT CAPACITIES AND FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY
The discussion also delved into the concept of latent capacities within communities—the untapped potential that can drive meaningful change. The panellists agreed on the necessity of creating space for diverse viewpoints and fostering an inclusive dialogue around retrofit projects. They highlighted the importance of bridging gaps in knowledge and building trust between stakeholders to facilitate more effective and equitable retrofitting processes.
CONCLUSION: A CALL TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES
The event underscored the transformative potential of a citizen-led approach to retrofit, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how empowering communities can lead to more innovative and sustainable retrofit solutions, setting the stage for future discussions and actions in this vital field.
WHERE TO WATCH?
The film is available to watch here.
If you would like to put on your own screening of the film, you can find out more here.
Special thanks to Energy Systems Catapult for kindly sponsoring the event, enabling this important conversation to take place.
