Agenda

Buildings and urban spaces are feeling the increasing impact of climate change, alongside the rising costs of energy, materials, and infrastructure maintenance. Architecture and urban planning are no longer just about aesthetics—they have become critical components of environmental resilience and residents’ quality of life. How can we design buildings that are more energy-efficient, heat-resilient, and user-friendly? What role will low-emission materials, water retention, greenery, and circular design play in this transition? Furthermore, the environmental footprint of buildings across their entire life cycle – from material extraction, construction, and operation, to demolition and material recycling – is becoming increasingly important. Should buildings with a low, and ultimately near-zero, environmental footprint become the new real estate market standard? Can the ESCO model accelerate the energy retrofit of schools and universities by reducing investment barriers for local governments and public institutions? And how can we effectively align climate goals with improved user comfort and the economic viability of investments? A debate on the future of architecture, urban planning, and responsible city design.