Why Materials Matter at Neighbourhood Futures Festival

In this workshop you will be introduced to bio-materials, before getting hands on creating Corncrete which we will then strength test to investigate the best recipe. All materials and instructions will be provided, and there will be a prize for the strongest Corncrete block! All ages welcome.

Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world. Unfortunately, cement is needed to make it – and the manufacturing of cement is responsible for over 5% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Engineers and scientists are exploring more bio-based, natural materials to create alternative materials for building and construction. Though not a replacement, Corncrete is one example of a simple recipe to begin exploring bio-based materials.

Over the next few months, CIVIC SQUARE are exploring the use of bio-based materials for the retrofit of the Neighbourhood Public Square buildings, considering how our buildings can support the health of humans and our planet, locally and globally, rather than cause harm.

About Neighbourhood Futures Festival

This will be Birmingham Settlement’s second Neighbourhood Futures Festival in partnership with the University of Birmingham Centre for Urban Wellbeing. The festival aims to offer both fun and thought-provoking activities, focussed on nature connection, community wellbeing and climate change - exploring how we can combat global issues within our own neighbourhoods.

The festival aimed to support local participation in activities to improve community wellbeing and sustainability, building on the notion that wellbeing is essential for transformation in the face of global injustices and environmental crises.

The festival is held at the Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre, a beautifully green 3-acre space next to Edgbaston reservoir. This year, over 30 community partners are involved over the 4 days, providing workshops, talks, arts activities and drop-ins, performance, eco demonstrations and more.

Find the programme accross the full 4 days here

Host or Publisher CIVIC SQUARE