HOW We SAVE EARTH
Benjamin Brown
Loughborough University, U.K.
Ben is an architecture student and Youtuber who has spent the year traveling the world exploring every facet of sustainable architecture for his Youtube Channel, How We Save Earth.
His channel investigates how architecture and urban design can be utilised to reduce the disastrous effects of global warming in the hope of a better future.
Why did you decide to study architecture?
Sustainable buildings play a huge role in combatting our climate crisis. I have a huge passion for our environment,
but I also have a passion for creating buildings which can positively impact people's lives, therefore architecture was the perfect degree for me.
What inspired you to start documenting your travels and reporting on How Architecture Can Save The Planet?
No one is doing it! There are some amazing green projects happening across the world, but no one is showing us young architects these designs.
Therefore I took it upon myself to bring these designs from across the world and put them into one place to inspire young architects to think green!
What cities did you visit on your travels?
So far I have visited numerous cities across Asia and Europe including Singapore, Copenhagen, Athens, Berlin and Barcelona to name a few. Once travel is allowed I will be back out again travelling and documenting how we save Earth with design.
What advice would you give young architects looking to further the sustainable design initiative?
Think global with every design. Your building may only be used by hundreds of people. However, your design
has the capability to inspire thousands of designers, which in turn will mean your one building design could influence millions of lives.
You have travelled to a number of countries around the world, has there been a stand out moment from your travels?
Surprisingly my favourite moment was in Hamburg Germany, where I came across a building which was using algae walls to power and heat not only the building but also the neighbouring buildings. The work done by WOHA Architects in Singapore was also incredible to witness, especially the Oasia Hotel.
What country or city do you think is doing the most to promote Sustainable Architecture?
In my opinion, Copenhagen are miles ahead of us all in terms of sustainable design. They are well on their way to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.
What lessons have you learnt from your travels?
If you've got an idea that you think is good then just go for it! Don't listen to anybody who cannot see your vision, as they will only hold you back.
What advice would you give to other architecture students looking to follow in your footsteps and travel the world to expand their knowledge?
Firstly plan really well before you even get on to the plane. Designs can be spread out right across the city and you do not want to be wasting your valuable time trying to figure out foreign public transport. Trust me i've wasted a lot of time heading in the wrong direction simply because I didn't plan.
Secondly when you arrive at a design do not get your camera or sketchbook out for at least 10 minutes. Spend some time to truly take it all in before documenting anything.
What is the one thing you would love to report on that you have yet to have the chance?
How to transform slum housing into sustainable arcologies.
Where do you see your future within the field or architecture, are you looking to take the lessons you have learnt into architectural practice or continue with a more journalistic approach with your documentaries, or perhaps both?
I will likely be taking some time out between my undergraduate and masters to explore this journalist approach further. Ultimately I aim to be an Architect who can inspire other designers to make sustainability the primary design factor.
If you could offer one piece of advice to those architecture students reading this interview what would it be?
Be bold. The people that are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the only ones that do.
Where can people find more of your work?
Make sure you subscribe to How We Save Earth on YouTube