Just Transitions

The world is embarking on an unprecedented transition, requiring a radical shift from a carbon-intensive economy toward a regenerative one. Just Transitions explores how this move can be delivered fairly, ensuring climate action benefits are shared widely without burdening the most vulnerable.

A painting of two people standing by a waterside railway line looking at brick buildings in the distance — Freddie Bull

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Focusing on the Inner Forth, our territory merges rich ecology with heavy industry. With the 2025 closure of oil refining at Grangemouth, the region faces an "unparalleled time of change." Our projects re-imagine the relationship between industry, community, and ecology, proving that this transition is as much a cultural shift as a physical one.

People standing by marshland with an orange digger in front of a collection of buildings — Dan Glaser

Just Transitions - Studio 2025-26

View images

A drawing of a complex of buildings in a field from above — Dan Glaser

Annotated photographs of reeds used for thatch — Sky Cadell and Dan Glaser

Annotated blueprints of walls and rooves in a building — Sky Cadell

Studio lead

John Sampson

Senior University Teacher in Architecture
School of Architecture and Landscape

I am an experienced architectural educator and practitioner with a career-long commitment to ecological design, climate justice, and social equity. I am the School’s Chair of New Course Development.

Email: john.sampson@sheffield.ac.uk

Guests and collaborators

Jude Barber – Collective Architecture
Eleanor Brough – Public Practice
Marianne Greated – Artist / Edinburgh University
Jacquie Mcarthur – Greener Grangemouth
Toby Wilson – RSPB / Climate Forth
Ella Duffield – RSPB / Climate Forth
James Stead – RSPB / Climate Forth
Max Claydon – Structure Workshop
Polly Natynczuk – Structure Workshop
Laura Birchenough – Snug Works

School of Architecture and Landscape