Changing paradigms: educating for the climate emergency

In a world marked by uncertainty, unpredictability and constantly shifting paradigms, the climate emergency looms large. As a profession, we face the profound challenge of designing for the future when that future is steeped in uncertainty. Moreover, when the responsibility for shaping the future is entrusted to the next generation, the challenge lies in educating in the context of climate anxiety. The first part of this chapter explores how significant paradigm shifts (including environment, social, and resources) have shaped sustainable architecture. It offers an example of how the profession has adapted to change and that solutions are already available. The second part discusses how different pedagogical approaches are needed to address these new challenges and can nurture critical thinkers and global citizens – equipping future architects with the ability to foster solidarity with both humans and non-humans and to identify opportunities within the turbulent context of constantly shifting paradigms and the climate emergency. While daunting, many opportunities exist amidst the inherent insecurity of constantly shifting paradigms. In a world where the climate crisis causes collective anxiety for the future, it is a call to arms for architects, educators and learners to adapt, evolve and innovate.