Architectural exhibit in Seychelles explores UN Development Goal of sustainable cities

The exhibition was also used to raise the level of engagement among youth about various Sustainable Development Goals. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)

An exhibition showcasing architectural models last week gave visitors an opportunity to explore the sustainability aspect of architecture.

The ‘Immersive Exhibition’ showcased maquettes -- small preliminary models of architectural projects -- created by students for their sustainable schools. Participating schools were eligible to win a sustainable school award for 2017.

Last week's event was conceived by Raymus Laurence, a young Seychellois architectural draftsman, to see how people envision sustainability in architecture and inspire others to consider ways of incorporating it into their designs.

Raymus Laurence conceived the 'Immersive Exhibition' so viewers could explore sustainability in architecture. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)  Photo License: CC-BY

Laurence said that his work involves not only accommodating the client’s architectural vision but also takes into account the footprint left behind in the world. Innovating building spaces to incorporate nature’s wonders into the design is Laurence’s foremost aim.

“I believe that my contribution is not just about design but also using my professional skills to shape a better quality of life and ensure that it lasts for future generations, by reducing the footprint we leave behind,” he said. 

The exhibition was also used to raise the level of engagement among youth about various Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This is in line with the SDG 9 -- innovation and infrastructure and SDG 11 -- sustainable cities and communities.

“Everyone deserves the right to live in safe, resilient and sustainable communities, I just wanted to find an innovative way to display this for everyone to see and appreciate,” added the young architectural draftsman.

The ‘Immersive Exhibition’ showcased maquettes created by students for their sustainable schools. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)  Photo License: CC-BY

The Immersive Exhibition will be done annually and target several Sustainable Development Goals along the way. The theme will change according to the targeted SDGs.  

Laurence hopes that his project will educate secondary schools, professional centres, the University of Seychelles and not for profit organisations on the Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11. He also hopes to encourage the private sectors and government to take into consideration the ideas and talents of youth in implementing those ideas into their school and other ways to construct school more effectively.

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by countries on September 25, 2015. The goals aim at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.

SNA presents a collection of photos from the exhibition. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)  Photo License: CC-BY