Dissertation Research: architecture & sustainability

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Dear all,

I am an undergraduate geography student at University College London and am currently undertaking a dissertation researching the relationship between tall buildings and urban sustainability. I am writing to ask whether anyone would be able to spare a small amount of time to be interviewed as part of my research, or would be willing to answer a few questions via email.

My dissertation is based upon recent tall buildings in London (both planned and built), and aims to research the potential and realities of tall buildings to contribute to the city’s sustainability. As part of this research, I am currently focusing on the attitudes towards sustainability within the built environment sector, and the realities of implementing sustainable attributes into contemporary buildings.

My research thus far has illustrated that there is a degree of confusion over the direction and implementation of sustainable architecture, and there appears to be a lack of a consistent working definition of sustainability. I would therefore be interested in discussing your understanding of sustainability in relation to the built environment, and your own vision for the most appropriate route to take in encouraging urban sustainability.

Any interviews would take only a very short amount of time, and I, of course, will accommodate your needs and schedule in any way possible. I would be most grateful if any architects, planners or developers were able to contribute to this project; I cannot stress enough the importance of the input of industry experts such as yourselves in facilitating this research.

I’m afraid I have no real incentive to offer to respondents other than an offer to buy a coffee to anyone kind enough to be interviewed! However, please be assured that any input, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated, and will hopefully contribute to the success of this research project.

If you are able to contribute to this research, or have any questions at all, please email me at m.belcher@ucl.ac.uk, or reply to this post.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Matt Belcher