B Corp Month at SPACE Architects

As B Corp Month comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on what this year's theme, Generation B, meant to us at SPACE Architects. This past Thursday, members of our team participated in a company-wide Thinking Thursday session, where we explored the power of intergenerational collaboration and its role in shaping a better future.

At SPACE Architects, we recognise that sustainability, innovation, and ethical business practices are not the responsibility of any single group. Instead, they thrive when diverse perspectives come together. Our Thinking Thursday session reinforced this belief, demonstrating how the wealth of knowledge within our team, spanning generations, can drive meaningful change for our communities and across the built environment.

The session brought together employees from all career stages, from our newest apprentices to our most seasoned architects, and what became clear throughout the discussion was that, despite generational differences, we all share a commitment to making a positive impact.

Each participant had their own motivations for embracing the values of B Corp, shaped by their experiences. Some of our team members reflected on the evolution of sustainable design and how past approaches, many of which were resource-conscious by necessity, could inspire modern-day challenges, while others emphasised the role of digital technology and innovation in pushing the boundaries of responsible architecture.

Throughout the session, it remained evident that each generation's perspectives are invaluable.

Our Gen Z team members, Euan Ellis and Tom Balsdon, underlined the importance of climate awareness, inclusivity, and leveraging innovation and new technologies. Euan emphasised the need for diverse pathways into architecture, while Tom advocated for circular economy practices and designing for disassembly. Their insights reminded us of the critical role of intentional design decisions and the need to move beyond incremental changes.

Matthew Turnbull, representing the Millennials, discussed the impact of technological advancements like BIM on sustainable architecture. He also stressed the importance of questioning industry norms and balancing innovation with deliverability, drawing on lessons learned from both younger and more experienced colleagues. Our discussion also touched upon the importance of balancing efficiency with long-term resilience.

Gillian Cockett, from Generation X, shared her experiences with the shift from hand drawings to digital tools and the impact of evolving workplace cultures. She emphasised the importance of community-focused projects, citing examples like the Byker Wall Estate, which illustrates the lasting positive impact of thoughtful design.

Our Boomer perspective from Fun Budiman emphasised the importance of designing buildings that meet the evolving needs of our communities. Fun also highlighted valuable methods such as "doodle time" and other creative exploration techniques that she relished during the early stages of her career and ways in which we can promote further collaboration within the office.

This intergenerational dialogue highlighted that core values such as minimising environmental impact and fostering inclusivity have transcended generations, albeit with varying approaches. We explored the revival of once-common practices like passive design strategies, the use of locally sourced materials, and durable construction methods, which are now being rediscovered as solutions to contemporary sustainability issues. Simultaneously, we examined how advancements in technology, materials, and data-driven design can enhance these traditional practices. The session spoke to the significance of intergenerational learning in addressing the environmental and social challenges of our time, prompting a reflection on the evolution of architectural practice. By pooling our diverse experiences, we remain committed to designing with purpose, ensuring that our work benefits people, communities, and the environment for generations to come.

The values of Generation B will continue to shape our approach. More than just a theme, Generation B is a reminder of our shared mission, the power of collective action, and the impact that cross-generational collaboration can have in shaping a better world. The insights gained from our discussions will continue to inform our approach, encouraging us to look beyond conventional boundaries.