Capturing Life on Site at the Biome
26th June 2026
In December 2025, Project REPAIR supported a community engagement activity that explored the perspectives of those working on the Biome development and documented the stories of the people helping to bring the building to life.
Led by Dr Chris Pak from Swansea University, the activity sought to understand what it was like to be involved in one of Swansea’s most ambitious retrofit projects. Through conversations with people working on the development, the project explored their views on the Biome, the challenges and opportunities they encountered, and the day-to-day realities of the construction process.
Photographer Betsan Evans spent time on the development photographing both the building and the people involved in its construction. Her photography was informed by discussions with workers about their observations, reflections and experiences of the Biome project. Participants were also invited to contribute their own photographs and comments, providing additional insights into life on the development.
The activity formed part of Project REPAIR’s wider exploration of biophilic living and nature-based solutions. While much attention is often given to completed buildings, this work focused on the people involved in creating those spaces and the stories that emerge throughout the construction process.
These photographs create a valuable visual record of a significant moment in Swansea's transformation. They capture not only the physical construction of the Biome, but also the experiences, observations and reflections of the people helping to build it.
The resulting archive will contribute to Project REPAIR's ongoing research into biophilic living and climate resilient urban environments. Selected photographs may also feature in future exhibitions, helping to share the stories behind the Biome with residents, visitors and the wider community.
By focusing on the experiences of those working on the site, the project offered a different perspective on regeneration, one that recognises that buildings are shaped not only by design and construction, but also by the people who bring them to life.
