Beyond Carbon: How Embodied Memory Grounds Us in Place
June 2025
As part of the 2025 London Festival of Architecture, SAVE Britain’s Heritage presents a discussion with Henley Halebrown and author and historian The Gentle Author of Spitalfields Life.
Simon Henley will give a talk on the architectural significance of embodied memory in the loss and reuse of buildings In response, the Gentle Author will reflect on how this concept manifests through the stories, people, and attachment to buildings they encounter in their work and campaigning.
While the environmental case for preserving existing buildings through adaptive reuse and retrofitting is increasingly recognised, there is an equally profound, yet often overlooked, value: the sense of identity, history, and belonging that buildings provide. Embodied memory—shaped by time, use, and community—defines how we engage with our surroundings and informs our connection to place.
From modest structures to iconic landmarks, preserving old buildings strengthens ties to our environment and resists the alienation that can result from transient streetscapes and speculative development. This event will delve into how prioritising cultural and environmental continuity can challenge commercially driven urban transformations, ensuring our cities remain recognisable, inclusive, and meaningful for those who call them home.
The event will take place on 11 June 2025 at The Gallery, 77 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ from 6.00pm
Tickets are available from SAVE Britain’s Heritage
Photo: Mandrake Hotel (Manolo & White), adapted from the the former Talkback (Henley Halebrown). Photograph David Grandorge