Climate change represents one of the most critical and complex challenges facing communities across the globe. The recent findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscore the significant impact that the built environment has on climate change. They also highlight the substantial potential for innovative, forward-thinking designs of systems, buildings, and cities to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. However, effective responses to this crisis extend beyond improving the environmental performance of buildings and communities. A holistic approach must also consider the socioeconomic, cultural, and political dimensions of these structures. Moreover, addressing climate change requires systemic changes in education and practice, paving the way for large-scale impacts that match the magnitude of the challenges we face.
Redefining the Built Environment in the Context of Climate Change
This issue of Technology | Architecture + Design (TAD) aims to clarify the roles of architecture, design, and technology in confronting the challenges posed by climate change. It explores how these disciplines can prepare us for the extreme climate conditions that are both current and forecasted. Through the perspectives of architectural researchers, educators, and scholars, as well as insights from related fields, this issue offers a comprehensive overview of the complex nature of climate change and the possible solutions. The work solicited in TAD: Climate is geared toward understanding how architecture, architectural education, and the profession at large can transition the built environment from being part of the problem to becoming a significant part of the solution.
Examining the Built Environment’s Role Through Various Lenses
The Op-Position articles in this issue delve into the intricate relationship between climate change and the built environment from multiple angles. For instance, Thomas Fisher discusses the future of the built environment in a post-pandemic world, highlighting how some of the shifts initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic could help mitigate climate change. Drawing parallels to the impacts of previous pandemics, such as the 1918 influenza pandemic, Fisher envisions a post-COVID era where advanced communication technologies lead to a significant increase in remote work. This shift not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also presents opportunities for architects and property owners to repurpose buildings for alternative uses, such as affordable housing, light industrial production, or aquaponic agriculture. Fisher also identifies potential for reimagining university campuses and educational program structures, which could enhance affordability and accessibility.
In another thought-provoking article, William Braham questions whether a building-centric approach to architectural education is sufficient in the context of climate change. He argues that addressing climate challenges requires architectural programs to operate at three interconnected scales: (1) urban self-organization, where cities are viewed as systems, and buildings are understood as intensifications of their locations within these systems; (2) building design and operation, where building science becomes an integral part of architectural knowledge within design studios; and (3) materials and products, where the upstream carbon embodied in construction materials and methods is meticulously tracked.
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Climate Solutions
Understanding the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as identifying system-wide solutions, necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. The third Op-Position article in this issue examines this through interviews with experts outside the field of architecture. These experts provide valuable insights into the main challenges posed by climate change and potential solutions, while also reflecting on the role of the built environment and architects.
Ecological engineer Marty Matlock emphasizes the importance of enhancing hydrologic security and developing thermal refuge strategies for large populations. Pedar Ankar, meanwhile, stresses the need for political, rather than solely personal, responses to climate change, and underscores the crucial role of education. Malkit Shoshan brings attention to the historical impacts of colonization and continuous resource extraction, advocating for design’s critical role in developing effective responses to the climate emergency.
Integrating Research into Architectural Practice
The integration of research into architectural practice is pivotal in transforming the built environment from a contributor to climate change into a force for positive change. In a methodology-focused article, Anya Domlesky from SWA Group introduces the XL Lab as a model of practice-based research. Domlesky defines architectural research as “systematic inquiry directed towards the creation of knowledge” and details the lab’s genesis and its current focus on generating the necessary tools and information for architectural innovation. She identifies four methodological approaches undertaken by the lab: foresight projects, analysis of the impacts of built work, visualization and simulation projects, and topical and advocacy projects. The XL Lab serves as a compelling case study for effectively integrating research into architectural practice.
In another professional perspective, Simon Cross and Duncan Cox from Thornton Tomasetti discuss the Greater London Assembly (GLA) building’s ambitious plan to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030. The building’s design aims for a substantial reduction in embodied carbon compared to GLA’s established baseline for residential buildings. The article illustrates how stringent emission standards can drive the construction of more sustainable buildings, setting a precedent for future developments.
Broadening the Scope: Landscape Architecture and Urban Design
Peter Aeschbacher’s review of Elke Mertens’ book Resilient City: Landscape Architecture for Climate Change expands the discussion to the realms of landscape architecture and urban design. Aeschbacher describes the book as a blend of travelogue, design relics, and a manifesto that could inform architecture’s future. However, he questions whether the collection of ideas presented in the book will lead to the necessary productive synthesis needed to create truly resilient cities.
Pravin Bhiwapurkar’s review of Paul Hawken’s Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation offers insights into how interconnected systems and actionable resources can inform design decision-making. Bhiwapurkar highlights Hawken’s emphasis on collective action and global collaboration as essential elements in ending the climate crisis, noting that the book is a valuable resource for establishing agencies dedicated to addressing the climate emergency.
Conclusion: The Role of Architecture and Design in Addressing Climate Change
The articles in this issue represent a diverse range of views and approaches, all aimed at understanding the complex challenges posed by climate change and the critical role that architecture and architectural education must play in addressing these challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary efforts and integrating innovative design practices, architecture can transition from being part of the climate problem to becoming a leader in crafting sustainable solutions. This issue of Technology | Architecture + Design contributes to the ongoing dialogue about how our profession can rise to meet the defining challenge of our generation.