Bioregional Design in Arles

The Atelier Luma is the latest addition to Luma Arles, a 10 hectare art campus in Southern France. The project appears driven by concerns about climate change. The built environment (peoples's houses and other structures) accounts for 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The production of much-used concrete is actually the largest generator of this 'greenhouse gas'. The Atelier Luma explores the possibilities of reducing carbon emissions, by utilising local materials. Given Arles' location, the atelier's walls are constructed of the waste products of the local sunflower industry (pith and fibres). Bales of local rice straw are used to provide thermal insulation. Waste clay, from a nearby quarry, is used to manufacture the bathroom tiles. Antibacterial door handles are fashioned from salt, extracted from local salt marshes. This approach is termed 'bioregional design' (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/jun/05/ultimate-eco-building-salt-sunflowers-recycled-urine-atelier-luma-architecture). Bioregional design is, of course, not a million miles away from how people, in ancient times, used to construct their buildings. It's the only option for poor people in many parts of the world. Both tended/tend to use local resources. These are more 'at hand' and cheaper. Having said that, it's an excellent idea to explore local possibilities in the developed world, that reduce the amount of concrete we produce and use. It helps counter climate change, as well as giving constructions more local identity.