Retrofit 25: What's Stopping Us?
If you know what motivates people, you can elicit change. In simple terms, find the buttons and then push them right?
The Building Centre in central London has been a centre for excellence in the built environment since 1931, it's seen some of the brightest and best from Great Britain and around the world, come through it's doors.
And that didn't change today, as the Centre opened it's doors to the start of a batch of programming, learning and training that looks to equip architects, professionals and the general public with vital information.
The opening night saw some of the progressive thinkers who only 2 years ago had established the pioneering National Retrofit Hub in a collaboration that is reaping rewards. They began by welcoming the great and good from the capital to gain an understanding of the pressing challenges of climate breakdown, economic instability, and social inequity.
Titled Retrofit 25: What's Stopping Us? - the NRH and Build Centre plan to inspire visitors to consider what’s stopping us from making retrofit happen.
There where thought leaders all over the place, so we captured a few of them to get their thoughts;
Exhibition Themes
The exhibitions has 8 key themes which are explored in interactive pods;
- Communities – The role of engagement, tenure, and trust in delivering retrofit at scale.
- Hearts & Minds – How culture, behaviour, and attitudes influence retrofit adoption.
- Jobs – Addressing skills shortages, workforce development, and diversity in retrofit careers.
- Carbon & Materials – The impact of retrofit on carbon reduction, material reuse, and sustainability.
- Innovation – The role of technology, data, and new methodologies in advancing retrofit.
- Money – Overcoming financial barriers, funding mechanisms, and economic incentives.
- Ethics – Justice, fairness, and the role of retrofit in ensuring equitable housing and community well-being.
- Whole Value – Redefining success in retrofit projects beyond cost to include health, well-being, and long-term benefits.
In addition to the pod areas, visitors can see feel and touch exhibits which demonstrate innovations in energy and water use;
and hands on materials in dissected wall enclosures;
Retrofit 25 – What’s Stopping Us? is free to visit at The Building Centre. To learn more, visit https://www.buildingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/exhibitions/retrofit-25-whats-stopping-us