AECB Conference 2006 Feedback

[Geoff Stow]

For conferenece presentations see:
http://www.aecb.net/conference.php

I will be posting a detailed summary of the conference feed back sheets in the near future.
At first glance the comments are universally positive with some very constructive comments about future events.

I would just like to say thanks to all those involved in the organisation and those who came for making it an informative and enjoyable event.

Please add any comments you have and ideas for future conferences while it is fresh in your mind.

[Julia]

Totally inspired by conference again. Wow what a network.
Thanks everyone.

I keep trying to think of good venue ideas for next year.
Where should we go? Talking at the conference some of us were feeling it's quite a south west-centred network, so should we go somewhere else, like Scotland (bias declared)?
Or should we stay where the energy and commitment is?

How easy/ difficult would it be to have a map showing the density of where members are?
Julia

[Nick Grant]

Hi Julia

Also really enjoyed the conference and the great venue.

Density map probably not high on the priorities right now but you can go to http://www.aecb.net/findmembers.php and click on a region, leave the keyword box blank and hit search. You will then get a list of all members (except students) in that area.

Quick scroll gives a feel. can of course narrow the search by typing, eg architect, in the search box.

Nick

[Julia]

Thanks Nick

[neill lewis]

I think the conference ranks among the best we have had.

One grouse though:
Why are there people [two in particular this year] who attend workshops, not to contribute, but to demonstrate how much they know? 

You can tell when you've got one of these with you:  they carry a sheaf of notes, probably the umpteenth re-write of their never-to-be-published work because it is just full of disjointed gobbledigook which they can't verify as they never actually listen long enough to anyone else because they are too busy trying to decide at what level to pitcht their next address - mustn't be too simple or the plebs won't be sufficiently impressed and anyway they don't know enough words of less than three syllables to ake themselves clear.   

Probably worse than contradicting the speaker is when they sit muttering agreement and nodding sagely in approval of what is being said while they skim through their folios ready for another onslaught. 

I urge members when they come across oiks like this to sumarily beat the crap out of them before they get started. [though beware you don't pick on one of the guest speakers who is just sitting quietly preparing for their talk later in the session - that could be embarrassing]

[Geoff Stow]

AECB 2006 Conference
Feed Back

This is a synopsis of the 40 feed back sheets we got from the conference. It does not include every comment but I think it represents the range of points made. Thanks to all who took the time to fill in the form.

Content
1) Was there a good range of workshops    Yes 40   No  0

2) What other subjects would you like to see covered in future events?
Case Studies
The role of the AECB in the wider green building movement
Relationship between sustainability and planning
More on design
Practical workshops How to install rainwater harvesting or heat pumps for example.
Also  Thatching, lime, rammed earth
Repeat workshops
Remember liveability we have to be happy in our homes
Passiv haus and the German experience
Sourcing materials
Heating systems
Passive Haus
Embodied energy
Concepts of sustainable communities
Design and integration of technologies
Environmental engineering for small projects
Implementation of sustainable strategies
Post occupancy studies on how "green "buildings actually work.
More on timber and other materials.
Passive solar people still get it wrong
Bio systems, shading,
Heat recovery, earthsheltered buildings, low energy lighting, Condensation in unvented roofs
Passive ventilation,
Conservation details
Liked being able to see examples of rotting timber etc,
More on successful case studies too many new mistakes

3) Were the workshops you attended well presented?      
Yes  36
No 0






Do you have any comments on workshops that would improve them in future conferences?
Difficult to hear comments from the floor
A bit heavy on the technical
More of them
Some were very technical
Hard to improve
Put PowerPoint’s on web site
Notes
Resolutions / summary for the web site
The ones I attended were all excellent
Audience mics
Agree aims of workshop and feed back.
Too many old chestnuts unsupported by new evidence.  More on existing buildings.




4) Did you find the "Any Questions" format a successful way to widen debate and understand issues?
Comments
More questions from the floor
Couldn’t see the panel.
Very good excellent chair
Good a bit long not very participatory
Excellent
No
Yes
Shorter answers and more variety
Didn’t really answer questions
Lack of practical matters too much about beurocracy Not really more interventions from the floor
No too tight not a discussion Panel very valuable knowledge
Seemed to go down specific avenues
Very good session More questions from the floor
Not really restricted debate produced stereotype answers.


5) Anything you would like to add that you feel would improve future events.
Details of workshops in advance
More audience participation in discussions
Speakers from the authorities Planners etc.
Ecology, urban planning, developers
Coffee and exhibits in same room
Meat at Barbie
Ask people not to hang around the food.
Excellent venue good food more of the same
List of attendees
List of places to stay
Brief report of workshops at the end of the conference
On site camping
Handouts of all workshops available on web site
Future events should have on site accommodation.
Less business more workshops.
Small workshops chaired by committee members to discuss the role of the AECB and issues.
Space for individuals and organisations to display information about their work with an opportunity to raise specific questions.
Speakers from abroad




6) How did you hear about the conference?
Building For A future     17
AECB Network Email     14
AECB Web site             5
Other            3 Word of mouth

7) Was the event well organised?   Yes  38 No 0

Do you think we should open the event to Non AECB members?
Yes 12 
No 13
Yes and No 1
Comments
I only joined to come to the conference
No it has a family feeling
Non members should support the AECB by joining
At the invitation of the members
Yes but make them pay more
Why would the AECB do this
Keep it to practitioners opening it up could attract too many academics.
Organise a separate event for the AECB to penetrate the wider community
Charge them more or members less
Why not
Really welcome it being members only  i.e. committed people
I want to be with experts but it would be good to inform the public

[neill lewis]

With regard to the comments about the complexity of some of the workshops, a couple of years ago we asked workshop leaders to rate their presentations so that members knew what to expect; I think we had three levels. 

[Keith Bellringer]

Hi there, glad you all enjoyed the conference at the Genesis Centre. I was there for the duration of the build as the carpentry contractor. I was into mainstream building before i was successfull in the tender for Genesis. I was totaly inspired by all who had an input in to the build. I now have a different perspective on the materials, design and ethics involved in sustainable building. If anybody has any questions about the build they would like to ask then let me know. If I don't know the answers my self i can either put you in contact with the company's or try and answer them myself. Many thanks to all Russell Construction who accepted my tender in the first place from all at www.katcarpentry.co.uk

[Geoff Stow]

Keith

Thanks for your offer to discuss the building I will pass the information on.
Generally the building was well received from waht can be a critical audience.

Well done and hope you go on to get some more interesting projects.

[Keith Bellringer]

Not a problem but will only be able to reply to questions via email and on the forum for now. Business has picked up and I'm very busy at the moment.  Many Thanks Keith.

[Genevieve Jones]

Didnt make the conference this year as, yes much too far away to get to in a reasonable amount of time. Very sad about this as always enjoy them when I go.
Good networking and good discussions.

It don't have to be Scotland although that would be great could be North England if members find that more palatable. Findhorne Foundation get thousands to their conferences from all over the world. Good rail links, lovely area with lots to see and do. They are not as ecological as some publicity but interesting nonetheless.

[Elrond Burrell]

How easy/ difficult would it be to have a map showing the density of where members are?
Julia

There is free online group mapping at Frappr - I just set one up for AECB here: http://www.frappr.com/aecbmembers

Perhaps someone could email members to encourage them to sign up?   Free and easy! 

email me on ejburrell-at-yahoo-co-uk if you need an invite emailed to you so you can sign up.

Cheers!

[Keith Bellringer]

Have now registerd with above. Perhaps Geoff could email all memebers.