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Project title

The potential of the New-European-Bauhaus to promote a just low-carbon-transition as a desirable-goal in Irish-towns.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Stephen Wall

Project Abstract

The climate crisis requires populations to adapt to radical, transformational change. EU and Irish government policies envisage changes to mobility, built environment, energy, and spatial planning that will result in considerable alterations to the physical fabric and way of life of our towns and cities. The EU’s New European Bauhaus initiative seeks to harness design and creativity to visualise these outcomes and build a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful, engendering public enthusiasm for the changes envisioned by the low carbon transition. Public opinion is central to the realisation of transformative change, and presents many challenges to policymakers. A recent Irish opinion poll found majorities opposed to various climate action initiatives including higher carbon taxes. The research asks if the New European Bauhaus can help generate positive future scenarios for Irish towns which could be used to enthuse local communities about the opportunities of the low-carbon transition. The research includes three stages. First, it will explore what impacts the low-carbon transition will have on Irish towns. Next, the ethos of the New European Bauhaus will be used to creatively imagine a range of future scenarios for low-carbon towns in Ireland. Finally, these scenarios will be illustrated and explored through workshops with town communities to understand attitudes and perceptions relating to change. The research will identify the full range of benefits for towns of the low-carbon transition, align with the New European Bauhaus to creatively visualise these outcomes, and work with communities to examine their response to this vision. The research will utilise innovative research methodologies including comics-based research to creatively assess public reaction. The research will allow policymakers to understand the role of strong narratives and public acceptance in transformational change.

Grant Approved

�82,500.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2025