Emma Enables Big Conversations

This academic year, we are holding a discussion each term to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for the world today. So far, we've looked at the questions of How can we build for the future? and How can we create a fair and inclusive society? .

For our third and final panel discussion, we asked the question How has a pandemic changed what's important to us?

This discussion was led by our Master, alongisde a panel of speakers including: Archie Norman (1972) chairman of Marks and Spencer, speaking on retail, Belinda Gordon (1994), Strategy Director of Green Alliance speaking on green recovery, Harry Hickmore (2011) Head of Development & Communications at Wilton’s Music Hall, speaking on the arts, and Tarun Sawhney (1992) Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd, speaking on India.

It was wonderful to share in the experiences of the panel and to hear from the Members who joined us!

If you are a Member, you can see the recording under the scribe when logged in.

For our second discussion, in Lent term we focused on the question, How can we create a fair and inclusive society?

The discussion was led by a panel, including: Simon Levine (1984), member of the board for the Office of Students, Sally Hamour (1993), a nephrologist who has worked with Target Medicine, Dr Corinna Russell (2003), Admissions Tutor who spoke about College Access initiatives, Alex Govan (2nd year Engineering), ECSU Access Officer and Akshata Kapoor (1st year English), ECSU Racial Equalities Officer.

It was great to see so many of our members join us and share their thoughts and experiences!

If you are a Member, you can see the recording under the scribe when logged in.

On Wednesday 25 November, we held the first of our Emma enables: big conversations, exploring the question, How can we build for the future?

Our Master, Dame Fiona Reynolds, was joined by Members and a panel consisting of Gavin Henderson (Stanton Williams architects), Kate Collins (Sheils Flynn Landscape architects) and Tim Wates (The Wates Group) to consider:

• What will future communities need from the buildings we design today?
• How can architects help combat climate change?
• What are the challenges of designing contemporary buildings that are appropriate for their settings?

The key points raised by both the panel and Members in attendance were captured in the image below by scribe Jessica Edwards.

Thank you to all those who took part in the discussion. If you are a Member, you can see the recording under the scribe when logged in.