Swansea University is leading a consortium awarded £3 million for a national project aimed at using nature to help cities address climate change. The four-year initiative, titled ‘Retrofitting for the Future: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation,’ is one of three projects across the UK selected for funding through the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) new Mission Awards.
The project focuses on enhancing urban environments by integrating natural elements such as plants, water, and daylight into city designs. It aims to make cities healthier, greener, and more resilient by fostering stronger connections with nature. A key component of this effort involves transforming a 13-storey building in Swansea's city centre. Previously a Woolworths store, the Biome building on Oxford Street will be redeveloped into a mixed-use facility featuring social housing, retail spaces, low carbon commercial offices, and community areas.
This retrofitted "living building" will serve as an example of how urban spaces can be repurposed to combat climate change while promoting community wellbeing. The project represents a collaborative approach that emphasizes teamwork over traditional top-down research models. It includes participants from various sectors such as academia, construction, housing, ecology, public health, and the arts.
Kirsti Bohata, Professor of English at Swansea University, expressed enthusiasm about working with diverse researchers and societal partners. She stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with such a talented group of researchers and societal partners. This project shows how the arts and humanities can address big challenges and improve lives.”
Local schools, councils, health services, businesses, and housing organizations are involved in ensuring that the research reflects real community needs.
Carwyn Davies from Hacer Developments highlighted the project's potential impact: “The Biophilic Living project is a truly unique initiative that has the potential to transform how we shape our urban environments.” He added that placing health and sustainability at its core aims to create functional yet nurturing spaces.
Davies also noted that “this award marks a significant endorsement of the vision and potential impact of biophilic living,” emphasizing opportunities for innovation and long-term positive change.