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talk
Design Makars: Karen Anderson & Felicity Steers
Saturday 5 April
Discover the importance of biodiversity in urban communities
The built environment is a recognised contributor to rapidly decreasing biodiversity globally and with it, our essential human connection to nature. From concerns around tree roots to prioritising cars, post-war housing areas in Scotland have often been designed without adequate green spaces.
By suggesting radical change in attitudes and practices, Karen Anderson, President at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), invites you to hear how prioritising biodiversity in urban design can improve our own well-being, combat isolation and tackle the effects of climate change. Karen will be joined by Felicity Steers, director at erz landscape architects, whose practice is dedicated to supporting community, enhancing wellbeing, and creating opportunities for biodiversity and conviviality through design.
About the speakers
Karen Anderson is a founding partner of Anderson Bell + Christie, a socially oriented award-winning architecture practice in Glasgow offering net zero carbon designs. As the current President at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), Karen is an active advocate for prioritising biodiversity in the built environment. Her distinguished career has seen her take on various leadership roles, such as Chair of Wasps Studios and former Chair of Architecture and Design Scotland. By teaching at institutions like Robert Gordon University and University of Strathclyde, Karen has shared her expertise widely through education and is dedicated to encouraging emerging designers and architects.
Felicity Steers is a muti-award-winning landscape architect, urban designer, writer, and illustrator working in Scotland. As the director at erz landscape architects, Felicity’s practice is dedicated to supporting community life, enhancing public health, and creating opportunities through thoughtful and transformative designs. Her interest in environmental psychology and exploring the relationship between wellbeing, place and landscape has led to recent projects in COVID green recovery. Having travelled and taught extensively in the USA, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Australia, Felicity’s global experiences continue to influence her creativity and passion for convivial and biodiverse designs.