Futurebuild 2019: addressing architects’ challenges

Futurebuild, the new name for Ecobuild, remains the leading event for architects and specifiers to meet and learn, be inspired, and do business, adding new features for 2019

Futurebuild 2019 (formerly Ecobuild) will focus on exploring and tackling the biggest challenges impacting the industry, and will be a unique destination for visitors to gain unrivalled insight and hands-on experience around the latest innovations, products and materials in order to address these challenges. Developed in conjunction with industry-leading partners, Futurebuild will provide over 500 hours of structured learning across an inspiring conference programme and 11 seminar streams – all completely free and CPD accredited.

Meeting challenges & making commitments

Central to Futurebuild is the conference stream which retains the ‘Ecobuild’ name, which will inspire visitors to take action on the most pressing challenges through insights from leading experts and knowledge sharing. With an overarching theme of ‘Time For Action,’ the conference sessions will be “collaborative forums” where visitors will develop plans for implementing change and proposing action for a more sustainable future. A total of 13 key challenges will be tackled through this programme, including how to put health and wellbeing at the heart of design, how to achieve a truly circular economy, and how the industry can overcome the housing crisis.

Future trends, future products & future materials

More than 500 market-leading brands and organisations from across the globe – a snapshot includes RIBA, Bauder, Glavloc, Internorm, Nudura and Smart Systems – will be showcasing their latest innovations and contributing to the extensive knowledge programme. To ensure visitors gain a truly immersive and in-depth experience across all areas of the industry, these exhibitors will be hosted across six curated Hubs: Buildings, Urban Infrastructure, Materials, Interiors, Energy and Offsite. Each Hub will include unique features and concentrated education programmes hosted by a relevant sector-specific authority, and will also host a variety of new and expanded pavilions and attractions, including: The City Walk, Made In Britain, the Association of Decentralised Energy (ADE) pavilion, the Home of the Future by Tufeco, the RIBA stand designed by Gundry + Ducker, and many more.

New & exclusive features

Futurebuild will be bolstered by a range of new and exclusive partnerships and features. As an official UK Government Innovation Partner, Futurebuild will be hosting the Innovation Zone with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Innovate UK. At the Zone, BEIS will be showcasing the work of the Energy Innovation Programme and demonstrating how it is delivering the Clean Growth Strategy. Focusing on “true innovation,” it will provide a platform for investment and knowledge exchange across three areas: a dedicated three-day seminar series; an exhibition featuring innovative companies BEIS and Innovative UK has provided funding for; and a ‘Business Bar’ in collaboration with the Knowledge Transfer Network – providing one to one advice and support on accessing funding. New for 2019 is the Knowledge Forum – a dedicated area where industry-leading partners, academia and professional bodies will offer a comprehensive look at the biggest issues facing the built environment. Hosting CPD workshops, the Knowledge Forum will provide useful solutions and guidance for visitors to take back to the office. The Waste Zone will return with new and expanded features. Curated by architect, academic and author Duncan Baker-Brown, the area will showcase how waste can be a valuable resource for industry. Central to the experience will be the new Circular Economy Hub, which will take a unique ‘beach hut’ format and feature a collection of hand-picked brands at the forefront of making the circular economy a reality. Futurebuild is also partnering with the architect-oriented exhibition and conference Vision, to provide a London-focused seminar programme alongside an unrivalled networking opportunity for architects. The programme will be curated by Vision and hosted in the Vision Seminar theatre, surrounded by an exhibition of brands looking to improve the built environment and public spaces through new technologies, products and services.

To register visit www.futurebuild.co.uk/register