Annually, we analyse a select number of our projects from the commercial, residential and education realm to track our progress – and the results are listed on our website under the ‘Climate’ tab for those who are interested in the numbers.
We also take whatever professional opportunity we can to spread the climate-change story – a story that the UN’s court this year named an “existential problem of planetary proportions”. Here at home, it’s easy to see the effects: the Auckland Council property buy-outs have begun and, where once stood properties worth millions of dollars, are now empty plots.
This lived reality is woven into the narrative of a 12-week design studio that RTA Studio co-founder, Rich Naish, continues to teach to third-year architecture students at the University of Auckland, in which they explore ways to craft climate-resilient buildings.
In August, Rich also took part in a global speaker series where he joined a team discussion aimed at exploring and advancing sustainable design. Around 150 guests from related industries were invited to the event and the panel comprised Tristan Nicholls (design leader of Fisher & Paykel’s Home Solutions), Aidan Anderson (founder of The Local Project), architect Raphaela Rose (Director of ahha studio) and Anahera Rawiri (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) from Jasmax. “We all shared similar values in that we assess projects through the lens of social, cultural and environmental sustainability,” explains Rich. “It was particularly interesting to hear Anahera’s take on the subject. She lives in a papakainga on Bastion Point and shared the Te Ao Māori perspective.”
To watch the full panel discussion, see below.