Barnabas Calder revisits architectural history through the lens of energy. 
‘Coal helped revolutionize architecture, but with the downside that it has the potential to wipe us off the planet’

In the latest Architects Journal (AJ) Climate Champions podcast, Barnabas Calder charts the course of architectural history from hunter gatherers’ earliest mud and bone huts through coal-powered industrial Liverpool all the way to today’s search for regenerative design in the RIBA Stirling Prize-nominated Cork House.

Calder explains to co-hosts Hattie Hartman and George Morgan why he believes architecture has always been shaped by the energy sources available, and why he’s concluded that ‘small is good’, deciding to retrofit his current Liverpool terrace rather than upgrade to a larger home.

To listen to this podcast and catch up on all AJ Climate Champions episodes, click here.

Barnabas Calder initially joined SAH in 2007.  He recently served as a Session Chair for the SAH 2021 Virtual Conference.  He participates in the SAH Affiliate Groups for Architectural Studies and Climate Change & Architectural History.