Here you can see two interesting examples : the street lamps emulating lanterns are one example and the metal balustrades around pedestrian infrastructure another.
These are not particularly new but they are new interpretations of much older elements.
I want to take this opportunity to share some architectural thoughts (please feel free to go to the next post...I will not be offered)
Vernacular architecture , despite what people- mostly architects- think in Britain (due to some incorrect associations) does not mean pastiche architecture. It means architecture which has an identity rooted in a locality and it's surroundings. It responds to the environment (orientation, geographic location, weather ...etc) uses local materials and known construction methods which used to be in line with the skills of local labour.
Generally, architecture has responded to local environmental challenges for hundreds of years, until more recently technology enabled a detachment and provided the freedom to implement designs which did not consider the local environment and instead followed global trends. It also gave a false sense of security that climate change has now proven to have been misplaced.
I think, in the same way as packaging went out of control in my lifetime, so has construction in many ways but there is a wonderful opportunity to change direction.
It would be great to see this Climate Emergency become an opportunity to evaluate what is essential for us. Imagination combined with an understanding of cultural associations and the local built & natural environment could be a great first step.
