Renowned Architect Michael Pawlyn Highlights the Need for “Net Positive” Sustainability Efforts
In a recent lecture delivered at the Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, architect Michael Pawlyn emphasized the importance of sustainability efforts going beyond simply being “less bad.” Pawlyn, known for his work on regenerative design and biomimicry, spoke about the need for buildings to strive for a “net positive” impact on the environment.
Pawlyn, who played a key role in conceiving and designing the Eden Project eco visitor attraction in Cornwall, England, titled his lecture “A Sustainable Future Inspired by Nature.” He explored how the natural world can serve as a source of inspiration for achieving a new level of sustainability. The event aimed to reflect the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and its pursuit of all opportunities to address climate change.
Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed, Chairman of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, attended the lecture. Pawlyn stressed that building designs should aim to take more carbon out of the atmosphere than they emit and generate more clean energy than they consume. He urged a shift in our relationship with nature, highlighting that humanity’s progress depends on the health of natural systems that provide essential resources.
Pawlyn also discussed how nature already offers solutions to modern challenges, drawing on 3.8 billion years of evolutionary refinement. He cited the Sahara Forest Project in Jordan as an example of architecture and design inspired by nature. Pawlyn co-founded the project, which aims to provide water, food, and renewable energy to hot and arid regions.
The lecture, moderated by Saood Al Noori from the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, included contributions from Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency; Habiba Al Marashi, Co-founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group; and Mohamed Al Marzooqi, a communications specialist in nature, the environment, and sustainability.
Pawlyn’s thought-provoking lecture highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in sustainable design and emphasized the potential of nature-inspired solutions. The event showcased the UAE’s leadership in climate action and its commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Architect emphasizes the need for sustainability efforts to achieve a net positive impact
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