Creating truly sustainable future urban housing: a new paradigm for architectural practice and teaching

Publications: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsCommissioned

Abstract

The presentation will look at the symposium themes through a sustainability ‘lens’, both illustrating and challenging current architectural practices and the role of the architect in the creation of sustainable urban housing. A brief overview will be given of current and future challenges and opportunities, including climate change adaptation and the quest to reduce energy use and associated carbon emissions from buildings. The presentation will focus on the implications for both architectural expression and the role of architects in meeting these challenges, illustrating the ongoing tension between ethics and aesthetics in sustainable housing design. Within this context, the symposium themes of ‘sharing’ and ‘emerging typologies’ are extended to challenge current mainstream architectural approaches and practices, questioning the model of competing against each other rather than sharing and collaborating (with architects, engineers but also community). Instead, it will be illustrated and argued that we need new, emerging practices and models that can better deliver sustainable housing design, while at the same time strengthening the role and value we bring as architects in meeting present and future challenges. What this might mean for the education of future architects will also be briefly reflected upon.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAlvar Aalto Symposium 14th international Alvar Alto Symposium : New housing solutions for cities in change
PublisherAlvar Aalto Foundation and Alvar Aalto Academy
Publication date30 Aug 2018
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2018
Event14th International Alvar Aalto Symposium: New housing solutions for cities in change - Alvar alto Foundation, Jyvaskyla, Finland
Duration: 30 Aug 201831 Aug 2018
https://www.alvaraalto.fi/en/megaevent/alvar-aalto-symposium-2018/

Conference

Conference14th International Alvar Aalto Symposium
LocationAlvar alto Foundation
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityJyvaskyla
Period30/08/201831/08/2018
Internet address

Keywords

  • housing
  • sustainable architecture
  • urban housing
  • performance of buildings
  • evaluation
  • poetics

Artistic research

  • No

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