This week’s blog post comes courtesy of Rebecca O’Malley, a passionate advocate for sustainable urban development and a key member of the ACT Studio. ACT Studio is a dynamic social enterprise made up of architects, urbanists, and policy specialists, all working towards one goal—accelerating the Green Transition. In today’s post, Rebecca introduces us to the HeritACT initiative, a groundbreaking project aimed at promoting greener urban planning by merging heritage preservation with climate action. She also highlights some exciting events that are raising awareness and inspiring communities to rethink how our cities and towns can be greener, more resilient spaces.
Ballina has been chosen as one of just three European sites to explore how our shared heritage can inspire greener, more sustainable cities under the New European Bauhaus initiative HeritACT. This EU-funded initiative, under the New European Bauhaus, is focused on using cultural heritage to drive sustainable urban development and seeks to reactivate historical urban environments.
The project is a unique opportunity to engage with our local history while envisioning a future that’s both environmentally conscious and community-driven. The HeritACT project is working to ensure that Ballina becomes a hub for sustainable innovation, blending culture, heritage, and modern design.
Upcoming Events to Get Involved:
Ballina Co-Envisioning Day
When: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Where: Ballina Library
The Ballina Co-Envisioning Day offers a preview of the exciting, heritage-themed installations coming in 2025, from digitally fabricated vegetable gardens to eco-friendly structures crafted from recycled materials. More than just a sneak peek, this event gives you the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge digital co-design tools and share your vision for Ballina’s future.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Preview 2025 installations: From eco-friendly materials to digital co-design concepts, see how culture and sustainability can work hand in hand.
- Hands-on workshops: Engage with innovative tools like SustainACT, Story Maps, and Design Your Heritage, developed by top teams from ACT, University College Dublin and the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
- Shape Ballina’s future: Your voice matters. Provide feedback and help ensure that these projects reflect our community’s vision for a sustainable, vibrant town.
Architects and design professionals can also earn 5 RIAI CPD points—a fantastic opportunity to wrap up your CPD requirements for the year.
Register for the Co-Envisioning Day
Evening of Talks on the Town
When: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024
Where: Former Fashion Shop, Pearse Street
Before the Co-Envisioning Day, join us for a fascinating evening exploring Ballina’s architectural and historical past. This event will feature talks on some of Ballina’s most intriguing heritage stories, from the discovery of the town’s missing castle to the restoration of All Hallows Convent.
For more see: www.architectureattheedge.com/events-2024/talks-on-the-town-heritact-ballina
Why Get Involved?
The HeritACT project isn’t just about installations or workshops—it’s about the future of Ballina and its people. This is a chance for the local community to come together and co-create a sustainable, culturally rich urban environment that reflects our shared history while looking ahead to tomorrow. Your input is crucial to shaping these efforts.
Greener urban spaces benefit not just locals but also visitors, creating vibrant and sustainable destinations that reflect the beauty and heritage of the area. By supporting initiatives like HeritACT, we can ensure that future generations—both residents and tourists—enjoy cleaner, greener, and more welcoming places to live and explore.
Don’t miss out on being part of Ballina’s transformation. Whether you’re a local resident, professional, or someone with a passion for sustainable development, we’d love to see you at these events.
To learn more about the ACT Studio team and their projects, including how their work impacts tourism and local communities, visit: act-studio.com.
