Buildings and Land
In 2020 – 2021, NHS Scotland buildings accounted for the equivalent of approximately 430,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The projects in this theme focus on issues surrounding energy and health, collective environmental behaviours for health, and the use of waste from single-use plastics in permanent architectural products and improvements in indoor air quality (IAQ). We are working to create healthy, inclusive, resilient, and nature rich healthcare environments that nurture good health and wellbeing for patients, staff, and the wider community while minimising the impact on the environment.
Projects
Rhythms and Rhymes
Exploring the collective health impacts of individual energy-use behaviors in UK households
The Fabric of Matter
Turning potential plastic waste into sustainable resources
Seeing the Invisible: designing for indoor air quality (IAQ)
enhancing indoor air quality in healthcare environments while addressing environmental impacts
Events, News
SHIFT Documentation
Looking back at what was captured from our SHIFT symposium, which took place at Civic House, Glasgow on the 22 April 2025 – the people, the papers, the energy and the ideas.
Shifting Reflections
In this article, SHIFT symposium co-convenors Dr. Laura MacLean and Dr. Lewis Urquhart reflect on key learnings from the SHIFT symposium, and where it might go next.
Work-in-Progress at the University of Strathclyde
Work-in-Progress Exhibition Welcomes over 50,000 Visitors
Design HOPES showcased 17 projects at V&A Dundee, all happening as part of the Green Transition Ecosystem Hub programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, through the Future Observatory.
Energy and Health, and Improving Indoor Air Quality
‘Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet’
An interview with Prof. Paul Rodgers and Prof. Mel Woods, co-directors of Design HOPES, on Future Observatory
V&A Dundee Exhibition
People
Dean Brown
Natalie Bamford
Sonja Oliveira
Aaron Cook
Andrew Campbell
