Sandbox from Buro Happold

What choices can the individual make as a tourist to travel more sustainably? Sandbox FOMO5 2, from Ep.10

Planning your next getaway? Before you book, take a moment to consider: how can you travel in a way that leaves a lighter footprint? 

In this week’s Sandbox FOMO5, taken from our episode ‘Sustainable Tourism: Travelling to a Greener Future’, our expert panel unpacks the small choices that make a big difference. From flights to food to where you stay, discover how to be a more conscious, responsible traveller—without sacrificing the joy of the journey. 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, were Buro Happold experts Graziano Di Gregorio, Associate Strategic Planner, and Gabriel Berti, Graduate Consultant. Our special guest in this episode was Lindsay Hawdon. Lindsay is a former Sunday Times and Telegraph travel columnist and a writer of fiction.   

In the FOMO5, our panel of experts explore:  

1. How, as visitors to places, we can all choose how we spend our time and money – whether it be buying from local artisans to visiting authentic attractions.   

2. Making the journey part of the experience: How can we actively choose alternatives to airplanes that could not only help the planet, but also enhance our travel experiences?  

3. Connecting with locals and sharing experiences: How engaging with residents can lead to unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of the places we visit. 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

So what actually is ‘Sustainable Tourism’? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.10

Sustainable Tourism: ‘It’s a different way of travelling, more of a conscious way’. Grab an iced drink, find just five minutes, and jump ‘aboard’ this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5 to learn more... 

With the Spring Equinox upon us and the weather warming up, the summer season is within reaching distance, where many of us will be travelling to destinations abroad via bus, boats, trains and planes.  

Our most recent episode of ‘Sandbox’ explores how we can all be travelling more sustainably to minimise our impact across the world.  

In this week’s short FOMO5 episode, our ‘Sandbox’ panel defines what sustainable tourism means to them. Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, are Buro Happold experts Graziano Di Gregorio, Associate Strategic Planner, and Gabriel Berti, Graduate Consultant. Our special guest in this episode is Lindsay Hawdon. Lindsay is a former Sunday Times and Telegraph travel columnist and a writer of fiction.  

Here’s a quick flavour of the points discussed in this Sandbox FOMO5:  

1. How can sustainable travel go beyond environmental concerns to positively impact the communities we visit?
2. What does it mean to minimise our carbon footprint while blending with local cultures and spending locally during our travels?
3. How does travelling more consciously balance various aspects of human existence, including the environment and related structures and systems, to ensure positive impacts? 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

Ep.10 - Sustainable Tourism: Travelling to a Greener Future

What does ‘Sustainable Tourism’ actually mean and how can we all re-think the way we travel to create a more sustainable future?  

These questions and more were put to our expert panel in this week’s episode of Sandbox. 

There is nothing quite like the thrill of a holiday. From savouring new cuisines to exploring historic sites, many of us will hop on a train, plane or other modes of transport to discover new places. The discussion about Sustainable Tourism was so interesting this episode is slightly longer than others, so here’s a list of useful timestamps if you want to jump to a particular topic... 

4:43 - Defining Sustainable Travel.  

7:53 - Lindsay’s Travel Experiences and her book Jakob’s Colours.  

13:25 - Balancing Infrastructure, Society, Economy, and the Environment.  

15:51 - Engaging with Local Communities for a Meaningful Travel Experience.  

17:47 - Personal Choices and Their Impact on Sustainable Tourism.  

20:44 - Economic Leakage and the Ethics of Tourism.  

26:49 - Sustainable Travel as the Next Step in Ethical Consumerism.  

32:40 - Design Sprint Outcomes and Discussing Authenticity. 

37:52 - Predictions for the Future of Travel and Tourism.   

Our panel discuss it all; from more sustainable means of transport, to supporting local businesses as a tourist, and fundamentally to leaving the places we visit better than when we arrived. Our Buro Happold experts also delve into the findings from a recent design sprint we hosted about sustainable tourism with Bath and North East Somerset Council.  

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, are Buro Happold experts Graziano Di Gregorio, Associate Strategic Planner, and Gabriel Berti, Graduate Consultant. Our special guest in this episode is Lindsay Hawdon. Lindsay is a former Sunday Times and Telegraph travel columnist and a writer of fiction. Her first novel, ‘Jakob’s Colours’ is based on an 18-month solo trip she took around the world with her two sons. Lindsay is also an Associate Lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.  

To find out more about ‘sustainability’ in travel jump ‘on board’ to our latest episode of ‘Sandbox’... 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

 

What could the ‘ideal’ version of London and other capitals look like? Sandbox FOMO5 3, from Ep.09

‘There has to be a driver from the residents of London to really make a change’: What could the capital cities of the future look like, with people power behind the ideas? Find out in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5... A quick five-minute listen, perfect for your coffee break! 

Whether it is giving more consideration to pedestrians, or bringing nature back to the city, there are many ways in which the ‘ideal’ capital could be envisioned. 

In the excerpt our panel ponders their own ‘ideal’ versions of London – with Rainiers being ‘car free’ and bringing back more green and blue infrastructure to the city, whilst Lawrie’s was to keep London as a global hub of innovation and creativity, but to make housing and connectivity more accessible for residents.  

The panel also touches on the importance of London continually improving its backbone connectivity that is needed to underpin the city in the future. 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, were Buro Happold experts Lawrie Robertson, Head of Strategic Planning, and Rainier Valcarcel, Discipline Director, Cities Infrastructure. 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

How has the living and working landscape in London changed to create a more de-centralised city? Sandbox FOMO5 2, from ep.09

From hybrid-working to a de-centralised city, how is the living and working landscape in London changing? Find out more in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5... 

In a post-covid era, the way our cities operate has changed. Hybrid working has become the norm, meaning there is a reduced need for London residents to travel to the city centre on a daily basis.  

In this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5 episode, taken from our most recent episode, ‘Heart of the City: Re-thinking Capital Living’, our panel explores the challenges and opportunities facing London, including: 

• Challenges to London’s world status: The panel discusses how London’s Alpha ++ status has changed in an era where we are seeing fragmentation in the international market, particularly with other capitals across Europe being better positioned to attract top talent and businesses.  

• De-centralisation of the city: Other prominent hubs throughout London have seen huge investment in development, including Battersea and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, meaning there is less reliance on the city centre. The panel suggests that connectivity between these hubs around London could be improved to ensure they are networked into the global city economy. 

• Change in working patterns: The panel discusses the change in working patterns following the pandemic, where people need more from their office spaces. Rainier Valcarcel touches on Buro Happold’s new London office, which is an example of how office spaces could be adapting, with breakout rooms, rest areas, and interactive spaces.  

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, were Buro Happold experts Lawrie Robertson, Head of Strategic Planning, and Rainier Valcarcel, Discipline Director, Cities Infrastructure. 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

How could London take inspiration from other European cities when it comes to active travel and nature-based solutions? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.09

How could London take inspiration from other major European cities? Find out more in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5... 

With Berlin implementing efficient ‘Sponge City’ initiatives, and Copenhagen leading the way for cycle-friendly cities, what can London learn from its European counterparts?  

In this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5 episode, taken from our most recent episode, ‘Heart of the City: Re-thinking Capital Living’, our panel explore the following:  

• Integrated cycling networks: Cities like Copenhagen are re-shaping urban spaces to prioritise cycling and active travel. 

• Cost effective solutions: Active travel infrastructure is not just environmentally friendly, but also an efficient way to lower costs.  

• Nature based solutions and mitigating flood risks: Looking at cities like Berlin which have great ‘Sponge City’ initiatives, guest, Lawrie Robertson, notes how in cities which are increasingly becoming flooded due to climate change, ‘You don’t have a flooding problem. You have a land use problem.’ 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, were Buro Happold experts Lawrie Robertson, Head of Strategic Planning, and Rainier Valcarcel, Discipline Director, Cities Infrastructure. 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

Ep.09: Heart of the Capital: Re-thinking City Living

How can we re-think our cities to create best possible conditions for the people who live and work there? Find out more in our latest ‘Sandbox’ special... 

In a post-covid landscape, the way we live, work and operate in our cities has changed. London, as the UK’s capital, is a prime example of this transformation.  

Due to a number of contributing factors, there is now less reliance on the city centre, with other emerging hubs providing living, working and leisure facilities for communities. This shift has prompted a re-evaluation of urban planning and development strategies. 

In this special episode of ‘Sandbox’, our panel discuss London’s position as a global city, and examine:  

• What strategies can be employed to enhance the existing landscape of London for better urban experiences? 

• How can urban growth and connectivity be achieved while adhering to more sustainable principles? 

• What are the key factors driving the shift away from reliance on city centres? 

• What is the 15-minute community model, and how can this be implemented in London? 

• What could the future of travel in capital cities look like? 

Listen to the special episode to discover more about the potential future of our cities, and how we can create environments that are not only functional but also enriching for all who inhabit them. 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Lawrie Robertson, Head of Strategic Planning, and Rainier Valcarcel, Discipline Director, Cities Infrastructure. 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

From libraries to theatres, what are the challenges behind some venues, and how can these be overcome? Sandbox FOMO5 3, from Ep.08

What are the challenges behind designing venues and how can these be overcome? For instance, how can you balance the ideal temperature for storing archival materials with visitor comfort? Find out more in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5 episode... 

In our latest ‘Sandbox’ episode, Christine Lowry, Partner, Buro Happold, noted that there are, ‘two significant’ challenges when it comes to venue design.  

The first challenge is ensuring that visitors are comfortable at the ‘equivalent to modern standards’, whilst preserving the heritage elements of existing buildings – a common feature of many theatres, galleries and museums.  

Christine noted that the ‘other great challenge’ is implementing sustainable design practices. Discussing Buro Happold’s work with the British Library, Christine said: “The challenge of achieving certain conditions whilst being sustainable is really challenging because of exhibit materials. I'm actually working with the British library at the moment, and they store a lot of paper in all of their books and paper doesn't like to be too dry because it crumbles, and it doesn't like to be too wet because it goes mouldy.” 

To store these books in a sustainable way, Christine discussed the passive design approach Buro Happold has taken, saying: “There is a band of temperature that we'd like to keep the space at. Now this is actually quite a cool temperature which isn't actually comfortable for people. 

“We are putting in automated retrieval systems... to hold the temperature much cooler, which means the big ventilation systems and heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification systems that we would have once needed in this building, we now don't need.  

“So, all the energy which would have driven those systems in the past because we were trying to make the space suitable and comfortable for humans as well as the books, isn't needed.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast). 

How can visitor experiences be improved? Sandbox FOMO5 2, from Ep.08

From the way spaces guide your movement to the thoughtful details that make visitors return time and again, venue design is a powerful tool for creating unforgettable experiences. 

In this week’s Sandbox FOMO 5, we discuss the psychology behind creating memorable spaces and the subtle design choices that enhance visitor satisfaction. 

The ‘science’ and psychology behind venue design is key in enhancing visitor experiences. This topic, and more, was discussed by our panel in our most recent ‘Sandbox’ episode, ‘Echoes and flow: The science behind memorable venues.’ 

Stand-up comedian, Alistair Barrie, discussed how seating arrangement can create a ‘holistic experience between the audience’ when it comes to comedy shows, saying, “...if your shoulder is touching the shoulder of someone next to you and a laugh starts...the laughter goes around the room because it’s infectious.” 

Dr Becky Hayward also discussed the importance of navigation and wayfinding in creating an ‘exploratory experience.’ 

Becky said: “What we try to do is look at how people move through a new space. Psychology is influencing how you move through the space at all levels.  

“So, whether or not you decide to go to the museum or the theatre in the first place might be influenced by your own motivations or what you've read online and so on or what the content is there. And then when you arrive there, there's many different factors that influence your experience and your decision making as you go around.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

How do you make a venue really great, for visitors and performers alike? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.08

‘People don’t realise how much difference the space makes to what you are doing’, Alistair Barrie, stand-up comedian, performer and actor. So how can venues be built or retrofitted to become truly exceptional for the performer, as well as the audience? Find out in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5... 

Creating a fantastic venue involves many factors, from efficient temperature control, external noise reductions to seamless visitor movement throughout. But how do we ensure venues offer the best experience for everyone? 

In our latest ‘Sandbox’ podcast episode, ‘Echoes and flow: The science behind memorable venues’, our panel discussed this idea. 

From an engineering perspective, discussing visitor experiences, Christine Lowry, Partner, Buro Happold, said: “I don't want them to notice what we've been up to. I don't want them to feel the ventilation systems, the heating, the cooling. 

“If we get that bit right in the design and the construction or refurbishment of a venue, you really find that that user experience is second to none.” 

Echoing Christine’s point, Becky Hayward, Associate Director, Buro Happold, said: “When we have worked at a venue, you shouldn’t really be able to tell that we have been there and intervened in some way. So, it should feel like a seamless experience.” 

Adding an insight from the performer’s perspective, our special guest Alistair Barrie said: “As a performer, part of it is the joy of how well it goes, which is all to do with the people, but a lot of it is to do with what Christine said - people don't realise how much difference the space makes to what you are doing.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).