{"id":746968,"date":"2024-07-02T08:33:23","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T07:33:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=746968"},"modified":"2024-07-02T17:10:42","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T16:10:42","slug":"natural-service-not-national-service-is-what-britain-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/opinion\/natural-service-not-national-service-is-what-britain-needs","title":{"rendered":"Natural service, not national service, is what Britain needs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Election times are peculiar. We are bombarded with hype, promises of change, decisive leadership and the hope that we will be listened to. Yet, too often, these hopes are dashed, crumpled on the floor like spoiled ballot papers and spent pencils before the election night is even over. Despite numerous cycles of disappointment, I still cling to a glimmer of hope. With housing consistently high on every party\u2019s agenda, this election should be a turning point where our industry is finally heard, leading to significant and necessary reforms.<\/p>\n

With such weighty topics being debated, imagine my astonishment upon hearing the Conservatives\u2019 new manifesto pledge to reintroduce national service. At first, I thought it was a joke; a misstep too absurd for any political party to propose. I would have loved to be in the room when this idea was first mooted. After lengthy discussions about health, education and housing, someone suggests it would be an innovative idea to teach large swathes of young people how to kill each other. It is so ridiculous it would not be out of place in a vintage Monty Python sketch.<\/p>\n

The Conservatives\u2019 policy proposal could serve as a catalyst for reimagining how we educate, build and live<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I recently spoke at an architecture event hosted by Biomimicry Granada<\/a>, in Spain. I highlighted the integration of nature into the built environment, emphasising its crucial role in creating vibrant spaces where people want to live, work and visit. In a visioning exercise after my talk local architect Fernando Ortega proposed an intriguing idea: transforming the concept of national service from its traditional military roots to a more holistic \u2018natural service\u2019.<\/p>\n

This concept immediately piqued my interest. Promising to redefine our approach to environmental stewardship and revolutionise educational systems, such an initiative could positively influence an entire generation. The speaker elaborated on implementing \u2018natural service\u2019 across various sectors, addressing challenges and proposing innovative solutions to ensure it becomes a transformative tool for societal benefit.<\/p>\n

Integrating this kind of service into the national curriculum could catalyse educational reform beyond architecture, I thought. Schools and universities could incorporate more in-depth study of ecology, environmental science and sustainable engineering. This knowledge is crucial as we face increasing environmental challenges; it will empower our future leaders to make informed decisions that prioritise sustainability.<\/p>\n

I am reminded of the Cheonggyecheon Stream project in Korea<\/a>, which involved renaturalising a stream buried beneath a two-storey dual carriageway. It was a challenging project \u2013 practically, conceptually and financially \u2013 but it increased biodiversity by 639 per cent, reduced flood risk and has generated \u00a31.5 billion in revenue to date, all for an investment of \u00a3220 million. This example illustrates what can be achieved economically and environmentally when we embrace nature. The concept of natural service would focus on green technology and sustainable practices, allowing new industries to emerge, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in sectors that positively impact the environment.<\/p>\n

The social impact of natural service could be profound. Engaging communities in meaningful work enhances their sense of civic duty while also providing crucial life skills in teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Creating such a system would be a bold move for any government but one that would transform our society, the way we live and how communities engage with each other and the built environment around them. Natural service would help integrate environmental stewardship into our daily lives and societal structures.<\/p>\n

Teaching people to live harmoniously with nature is not about sacrifice; it is about fostering activities that support and sustain our environment. Thought about differently, the Conservatives\u2019 policy proposal could serve as a catalyst for reimagining how we educate, build and live. As we face an increasingly uncertain future, it is imperative we reevaluate our priorities and focus on creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive society.<\/p>\n

The philosophy of natural service stands as a call to arms, urgently demanding the integration of nature into the daily fabric of our lives. While building sustainable cities is pivotal, true progress demands that we, the squishy carbon-based life forms, change how we live. But first we need a government brave enough to look past polls and soundbites and act not for now but for the future. As a nation, could 4 July be the day we select a government strong enough to adopt policies so forward-thinking they are seen as radical? I hope so because that is what we need.<\/p>\n

Kunle Barker is a property expert, journalist and broadcaster<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Election times are peculiar. We are bombarded with hype, promises of change, decisive leadership and the hope that we will be listened to. Yet, too often, these hopes are dashed, crumpled on the floor like spoiled ballot papers and spent pencils before the election night is even over. Despite numerous cycles of disappointment, I still …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81429,"featured_media":746972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[745],"tags":[3520,73595,101054],"yoast_head":"\nNatural service, not national service, is what Britain needs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A biomimicry conference in Spain gets Kunle Barker thinking about how a truly forward-thinking new UK government might transform our relationship with nature\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/opinion\/natural-service-not-national-service-is-what-britain-needs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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