COP26 Hope Sculpture: a figure for a sustainable future

A sculpture has been unveiled in Glasgow, Scotland, as an official part of the COP26 legacy that is said to provide a showcase for how the construction industry can build sustainably and aim towards a net zero future.

The Hope Sculpture is one of three public art installations by Steuart Padwick located across Glasgow, launched as part of the official COP26 legacy. Working with build partners, Ramboll, Aggregate industries, Urban Union and Keltbray the Hope Sculpture is a showcase of how the construction industry can build sustainably and aim towards a net zero future.

The sculpture has been constructed using low carbon, reclaimed, recycled or sustainable materials, of which, almost all have been locally sourced, and stands at 20m high. It represents hope and positivity towards meeting environmental achievements.

The Hope Sculpture can be seen at Clyde Gateway’s woodland park at Cuningar Loop with its long columns extending into the skyline. On top of the columns is an age, gender, race neutral child, reaching out to a greener, hopeful future. It is constructed using 100% cement free concrete and recycled crushed glass.

“We all need to address this new global agenda so our young can embrace a future of hope. It is very simple, why would anyone want to poison their future?” said Steuart Padwick.

The COP26 UN Climate Change Conference is currently taking place in Glasgow, UK and is an important event for the construction industry worldwide. The conference will be spotlighting the built environment and climate impact in the construction sector.

Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Action Champion, COP26 said, “The monumental Hope sculpture is a powerful and much needed symbol of hope. It is a timely reminder that by taking better care of our environment we take better care of our own and our communities mental well-being.”