Transforming Eco-Grief into Collective Action
A sanctuary shaped by the sea, the Portobello Eco-Grief and Renewal Centre recognizes climate grief on a personal and collective level. With the increase of climate-related catastrophes impacting both the physical environment and the mental wellbeing of those directly affected, a space for action is needed now more than ever. Located at the Bellfield Community Centre, a social heart of the community, the project builds upon the building’s legacy as a place of gathering and reflection, extending it towards collective ecological care and renewal. Working within the more modestly defined annex spaces of the site, the design introduces adaptable spaces for collaboration, dialogue and learning.
Guided by the Community Climate Infrastructure Framework, the project establishes a transferable approach adaptable to different communities and conditions. In this context, it responds to local environmental challenges, particularly coastal vulnerability in Portobello. This is addressed through Designing from Place, by exploring seagrass as a nature-based solution rooted in the local coastal environment, Designing for Agency by supporting community-led participation, Designing for Resilience through site-responsive strategies and Designing for Circularity through adaptive reuse of the building and seagrass as part of a closed-loop resource system. The centre brings together local residents, artists and scientists to exchange knowledge and learn collaboratively, helping to transform grief into resilience, care and collective renewal.
