New Strategies and Building Methods in Times of Climate Change Part II

We live in constant awareness that the conditions of our climate are changing rapidly. We also know that endless (economic) growth, which drove the modernisation of Western countries based on the exploitation of territories, is obsolete. Instead, our society is moving inexorably towards an age in which less and less energy and resources are available. Resource scarcity and the scientific and political consensus on climate change make it clear that our current energy production models and lifestyles need to change. This change has an impact on the way we shape our environment and consequently on architectural practice. The need for new narratives and approaches that address resource scarcity, energy shortages and the increasing frequency of environmental disasters is directly linked to the role of architects in producing concrete architectural actions in this global situation.

Building from the research of the LINA Fellows in spring 2023 at HDA in Graz, in which traditional as well as new, sustainable construction methods were gathered and compiled in a publication, in the second part of the research lab we will initiate a design lab. Specific architectural projects will be developed for regions that are exposed to two contrasting but equally difficult climatic challenges in the form of overheating/drought and flooding/heavy rainfall: the Veneto region in Italy and the Aartal valley in Germany.

Collaboration with LINA fellows

In cooperation with the Chair for Building Construction, Building Technology, and Design at the University Stuttgart, a two weeks workshop will take place. Each of the Fellows will lead a group of students with whom they will co-develop new designs as response to climatic challenges. These will be depicted with the help of plans, images, and models. The institute is equipped with material samples and a 3D printer, which will be made available for model production.

The goal at the end of the HDA research program is to present all results from Workshop I 2023 and Workshop II 2024 together in an exhibition and publication in fall 2024 at the HDA.