'Long Life, Low Carbon' spotlights shining applications of the circular economy in architecture

The circular economy revolution that has gradually taken hold in the architectural consciousness of the United Kingdom in recent years has finally come north thanks to a special relaunch of the recent Royal Institute of British Architects ‘Long Life, Low Energy: Designing for a circular economy’ exhibition from RIBA North and the Tate Liverpool.

Launched in October at the six-year-old RIBA North headquarters on Liverpool’s Mann Island, the restaged showcase features a new local spotlight on firms whose work has spearheaded efforts to include more recycled materials and adaptive reuses in order to instigate a movement towards change in the building sector known to account for more 40% of carbon emissions globally. 

This is the first exhibition at the venue since the start of the pandemic and offers those who missed its London premiere a chance to explore the contributions of several firms from the north country and Wales to its development. Curators were able to dig into an extensive RIBA Collections archive, finding within it the best regional examples from OMI, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, and others that are at the forefront of the industry-wide answers to spirited calls for change.

The UK currently demolishes around 50,000 buildings per year but has, despite some abstainers, turned into a leader for the method globally, with many recent winners of its top professional honors prioritizing its incorporation into their respective designs.

The exhibition is, therefore, an attempt to expand the conversation to include regional superlatives in conversation with their counterparts in London, Scotland, and the broader UK. A special consideration of the history and culture of demolition in the country provides further context to the featured roster of projects. It will also serve to preview the slate of combined ecologically-focused arts and architectural programming that will be in store for visitors once the Tate's own $34 million redevelopment of its Royal Albert Dock building debuts in 2025. The showcase marks the 20th overall exhibition to be staged at the Broadway Malyan-designed center since its opening in June of 2017.

‘Long Life, Low Energy’ is on view now through January 14 at Gallery One - First floor, RIBA North: 21 Mann Island in Liverpool.