What is the Hothouse?

The Hothouse, which took place in Bristol from 29-31 October 2007, was a unique gathering of some of the most influential figures in urban design, planning and sustainability to rethink the way cities are designed and used in response to climate change.

Led by CABE, the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space, the Hothouse was an intensive residential masterclass. It was organised for leadership teams from cities and the private sector to develop new ideas and robust climate action strategies.

The global environmental crisis we face is, in large part, a planning and design crisis. It is a consequence of how things are made, resources are used, land is developed, buildings and infrastructure constructed, services supplied and places connected.

The theme of the Hothouse was serious - but its approach was sociable and collective. It was called a Hothouse because it provided the ideal conditions to learn and share knowledge, through a mix of peer review and creative dialogue. It explored and demonstrated how good design can help us adapt to and mitigate climate change. The beauty of it is that cities that cut their carbon footprint improve quality of life for everyone at the same time.

We could wait for other countries to lead the way. But we won’t.

Why run a Hothouse?

There’s no shortage of conferences and seminars on climate change. This event was different. It was a masterclass for core cities – ie the biggest cities outside London – and companies to address the most intractable issues facing them and showcase best practice in sustainable design. Together, they explored generating a public mandate to take big decisions that rapidly reduce the carbon footprint of our cities.

The focus of the Hothouse was on discussion and debate, drawing on technical support and expertise from some of the most experienced practitioners in sustainable design and climate change. It offered an opportunity for intensive peer review.

To allow the free flow of ideas and thinking, all debate at the Hothouse was under ‘Chatham House’ rules. We have, however, published reports of the plenary sessions and interviews with participants on this site. See the articles section.

CABE and sustainable cities

Construction and use of the built environment accounts for half of the UK’s national carbon emissions. CABE believes that sustainable design is good design. No building, space or place can be considered well designed if it does not contribute to environmental, social and economic sustainability. Conversely, no building, space or place can be considered sustainable if it is not well designed.

Sustainable cities is a new initiative led by CABE to help build core city team capacity, and help to secure a public mandate for change. So professional development was addressed through the Hothouse and in the subsequent online resource – a tool to support thought leadership in cities and to facilitate the development of robust climate action strategies. But those strategies can only be delivered with strong public support. Some of the initiatives in 2008 to inspire public demand for change will focus on World Environment Day.