AA alum Giulliana Giorgi has been awarded the RIBA Scott Brownrigg Sustainable Development Grant to investigate the UK stone industry

AA alum Giulliana Giorgi has been awarded funding from the RIBA Scott Brownrigg Award for Sustainable Development. Her research will examine the challenges and opportunities of increasing the use of indigenous stone in UK construction, aiming to reduce the industry's reliance on imported materials with high carbon costs.

While the use of stone in construction has seen a resurgence in recent years, many UK projects continue to rely on imported stone, which carries a significantly higher carbon cost. Giorgi’s proposed research seeks to address this challenge by investigating the current barriers to increasing the use of indigenous stone in construction. It explores the potential of stone as one of the key solutions for decarbonising the built environment while fostering local economic growth.

Adopting a collaborative approach, the project will engage a diverse range of industry professionals – including architects, engineers, stonemasons and quarry operators – through interviews and roundtable discussions. The research follows a three-stage methodology, incorporating surveys, site visits and case studies. Findings will be shared through an interactive online platform; featuring maps, diagrams, reports and a short documentary. This resource aims to provide practical guidance for architects and developers looking to source and specify local stone.

The research is being conducted in collaboration with the Climate Change Group at Allies and Morrison, Webb Yates Engineers and with the support of Stone Federation Great Britain.

If you are interested in contributing insights or expertise to this research, please get in touch with Giulliana Giorgi at giorgi@aaschool.ac.uk.

Find out more about the award here.