May 31 @ 10:00 - 13:00
Free
You’ve probably heard the fable about the blind men and the elephant – each one touches a different part and ends up with a completely different idea of what it is. That story inspired the name of The Elephant Team, a group of specialists at the University of Bath, combining their skills to tackle a major problem in the push for sustainable building.
Here’s the issue: new sustainable construction materials (SCMs) are being developed rapidly, but they’re not being adopted nearly as fast. Why? Because while scientists focus on how these materials perform, they often overlook a crucial question – do they meet people’s real needs?
The Elephant Team believe the key is co-production: involving communities directly in the development process. Our research aims to combine technical data about SCMs with insights from the people who’ll actually live with them. The result? A smarter way to choose materials that work for both people and the planet.
So – how do we make this happen?
To bring these ideas to life, the team has created a prototype board game called Beyond Bricks and Mortar (BBM). It’s a fun, hands-on way for people to explore what really matters in a home. Players compete and collaborate as they design their ideal homes – first by identifying what’s important to them, then digging into the needs behind those choices, and finally selecting the materials that best meet those needs.
The BBM game has been played with several groups so far, and the feedback has been great – people find it both enjoyable and eye-opening.
This special Community Workshop, taking place at the Museum of Bath at Work, will give you the opportunity to play Beyond Bricks and Mortar with The Elephant Team! The workshop kicks off with a warm welcome and a quick introduction to the research – plus how your input during the game will help shape it. Don’t worry, your participation is completely anonymous, and you won’t be asked to share anything personal or sensitive. You’ll also receive a full Participant Information Sheet on the day.
Dr. Joel Lazarus will lead the first session, introducing a fresh and fun way to think about human needs – key to getting the most out of the game. After a short break, we’ll dive into BBM for about an hour, then wrap up with a group reflection and closing.
BBM is easy to play and great for all ages – it’s recommended for anyone aged 7 and up. Kids are more than welcome, because the team would love to hear their ideas too!