Robin Livingstone

About Robin’s Research:

Funded by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities, this interdisciplinary, practice-based architectural inquiry will explore designing with heritage materials for sustainable, circular futures. The project will research the creative use of vernacular materials in innovative, contemporary architecture for rural and island environments, embedding architectural practice, fieldwork, archival research, circular and regenerative design theory, hands-on making and live testing materials. Drawing on specialist material knowledge from the heritage sector, the project will strive to make a unique contribution to regenerative, net zero architecture of the future. By looking back to look forward, the project will explore future uses for a range of hyperlocal, traditional building materials. The research questions will consider:

1. How can we design with traditional materials to support sustainable futures for the built environment in rural and island communities?
2. What are the affordances of vernacular and hyperlocal materials for net zero, circular construction in these localities?
3. Through the sensitive use of traditional, vernacular materials, what positive impact can contemporary architectural practice make for the building and heritage sectors?

The intention is for the project to be a distinctive collaboration. Led by The Glasgow School of Art, it will bring the contemporary design expertise from the Mackintosh School of Architecture together with expertise in interdisciplinary practice and reach through the Highlands & Islands campus. The expertise available through the team at Historic Environment Scotland’s Engine Shed will bring essential understanding of vernacular building materials to contemporary architectural practice, benefiting from the deep knowledge of materials held within Scotland’s heritage sector.