In 2020, RIBA Wessex and RIBA South West will deliver a programme focusing on people, place and the planet, concluding with a full day forum event in Exeter in November. This will be programmed and delivered across the south west by the regional team, branches, and partners, with strategic input from our two regional councils and chairs. This programme will also incorporate our other programmes throughout the year.
The 'people' strand of this programme will focus on equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) campaigns. This will include topics and events such as:
- mental wellbeing
- International Women’s Day - we have an event in Bristol on 4 March
- Black History Month
- the RIBA National Schools programme
- the Ask an Architect series
- RIBA's Annual Lectures with university partners
Our 'place' strand will kick off with our pan-professional Great Debate: Ensuring Thriving Urban Centres in Plymouth on 20 February, and will include further events bringing together architects, clients and commissioners of architecture. We have put out a call for a RIBA Wessex Local Authority Engagement Group to grow our engagement with our local authorities, and we will continue to follow, celebrate and learn from the ongoing Future Place project in Greater Exeter.
Our 'planet' strand will make the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge live across the south west of England. The goals of the challenge are to develop a greener and more sustainable built environment, which covers the construction, use and reuse of buildings. We will work with relevant partners to support practices in achieving these targets; to empower clients to want to embrace the targets, and work alongside our universities to share knowledge about the future of the profession.
Our programme will conclude with a full day forum event for members and strategic partners in Exeter on 20 November 2020. Here, we will be celebrating, sharing knowledge and lessons learned, and readying ourselves for 2021.
RIBA Wessex chair, Tom Bell, says: "This regional conference will enable architects, developers and local authorities to come together and share their expertise and experience; challenging the topics of the 'People, Place and Planet' manifesto, and seeking clear, tangible outcomes for both the private and public sector."
RIBA South West chair, Rachael Gaunt, says: "By working collaboratively throughout the region in 2020, we will equip our members with new skills to help tackle the global climate emergency at a local project level. Our region-wide event in November 2020 will connect RIBA registered architects with climate change training, and to clients and placemakers committed to people, place and the planet."
Details of events and activity will be shared through RIBA South West member communications, social media, and across partner platforms. Read RIBA's 'People, Place and the Planet' manifesto to find out more.
Through their activity, our branches across the South West and Wessex regions will be key partners in the programme. Please get in touch with your local branch to be involved in this exciting programme.
