When something holds deep sentimental value, we feel compelled to protect it. But what happens when the stories that once inspired care are lost or dismissed by modern systems?

Beyond Mythology invites built environment professionals and future-focused thinkers to explore how regenerative design and long-term thinking can offer new narratives of care, connection, and responsibility. It’s a call for a mindset shift -- from linear efficiency to adaptive systems that evolve over time.

At the heart of this lies a powerful question: What does it mean to be a good ancestor? To design not just for now, but for seven generations ahead. To embed adaptability, foresight, and care into the decisions we make today -- and to imagine lasting legacies.

In this panel discussion, speakers from across generations, disciplines, and cultures will share personal stories and professional insights. Together, we’ll explore how myth-making, memory, and the landscapes of London -- past, present, and future -- can shape a more just and regenerative built environment.

18:00 - Arrival, Badge-making, and Provocations

18:30 - Introduction by Architects Declare

18:40 - 'Fire-side' Story-telling

19:10 - Open Circle

19:45 - Closing Reflections

20:00 - End

Speakers

David Cheshire - Sustainability Director, AECOM.

David is the author of the books 'Regenerative by Design' and 'Building a Circular Economy'. In the discussion, he is interested in connecting the severed worlds of personal and professional lives.

Eva MacNamara - Director, Expedition Engineering

Eva played a lead role on the Eden Project through regenerative structural engineering exploration. She has been reflecting on her learnings from her time at the Constructivist Regenerative Design Lab.

Cíaran Malik - Technical Studies course tutor, Architectural Association

As well as educating, Cíaran's research is focused on promoting ecology on site and whole life carbon assessment. He is interested in addressing tensions of culture, place and the liveability of the future.

Mia-Ming Steel - Co-founder & Director, Rooted City Project CIC

Mia-Ming focuses on transforming neglected urban spaces into sustainable community assets. Her perspective as a young person builds agency to be the change we often wish to see in the world.

Chair

Alasdair Dixon - Co-founder, Collective Works & Steering Group Member, Architects Declare

Alasdair strives for a paradigm shift through leading the Regenerative Architecture Index at Architects Declare. He is interested in developing the conversation around the RAI's core theme, 'become a good ancestor'.

This event is for designers, planners, policymakers, and anyone shaping place with purpose -- those asking how to embed long-term thinking into their work, and how to be a good ancestor in the process.

This event is twinned with our “Whose cathedrals are we building?” event at the Architecture Fringe in Glasgow. Stories and reflections from both events will be shared in a collective output.

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Beyond Mythology: What does it mean to be a good ancestor?