Topic: Aesthetics
Markus Reymann pt 1 – Art, Advocacy, and the Ocean
Markus Reymann, co-director of TBA21, shares his journey from theatre to contemporary art and marine conservation. He discusses the transformative power of art, the role of storytelling in advocacy, and how his organisation integrates science, policy, and artistic practice to engage with pressing environmental issues.
Art and culture Aesthetics Accessibility Environmental conservation Human-centered design Data-driven decision making Social renewal and societal changeMarkus Reymann pt 2 – Knowledge, Community, and the Role of Experts
Whose knowledge matters? Markus Reymann challenges the traditional hierarchy of expertise, advocating for the inclusion of local and indigenous knowledge in environmental decision-making. He explores how meaningful community engagement differs from box-ticking exercises and how art can bridge different ways of knowing.
Community engagement Interdisciplinary approach Art and culture Aesthetics Local and regional solutions Inclusion Environmental conservationMarkus Reymann pt 3 – Cultural Diplomacy, the Cold War, and the Birth of an Art Academy
Can art shape international politics? Markus Reymann traces the origins of TBA21 to Cold War-era cultural exchanges, where art was used as a diplomatic tool. He explains how these early ideas of cultural diplomacy evolved into a contemporary art foundation with a radical commitment to environmental and social change.
Cultural heritage and diversity Environmental conservation European collaboration and policy Art and culture Aesthetics Community engagement SustainabilityMarkus Reymann pt 5 – Digital Technologies, Data Sovereignty, and European Alternatives
How can we rethink our relationship with technology? Markus Reymann explores Europe's distinct approach to digital sovereignty and sustainability, contrasting it with Silicon Valley’s extractive model. He discusses the role of digital tools in mapping, storytelling, and ecological planning, while questioning whether technology should lead or follow human thought.
AI and digital tools Human-centered design Data-driven decision making Nature-based solutions European collaboration and policy Art and culture AestheticsMatti Kuittinen pt 3 – The Future of Architecture: Values, Optimism, and the Built Environment
Can architecture help shift society’s values? Matti Kuittinen argues that to address the climate crisis, we need more than just new materials and policies—we need a fundamental change in how we view our relationship with the planet. He discusses posthumanism, biocentrism, and the role of architecture in creating a fairer, more sustainable future.
Climate change and adaptation New European Bauhaus European collaboration and policy Cultural heritage and diversity Art and culture Aesthetics Environmental conservationRoberto Cavallo pt 3 – The New European Bauhaus: Connecting People, Places, and Professions
How can architecture address not just sustainability, but also aesthetics and inclusion? Roberto Cavallo breaks down the principles of the New European Bauhaus and how they shape the built environment. He discusses how designers must navigate economic realities, policymaking, and community engagement to create meaningful change.
New European Bauhaus Sustainability Inclusion Local and regional solutions Art and culture Aesthetics European collaboration and policySelma Harrington pt 1 – Architecture, Advocacy, and Heritage
Selma Harrington, an architect and educator, discusses her career spanning architecture, design, and advocacy for sustainable built environments. She reflects on modernist heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the impact of post-war neglect on architecture, and her research into the transformation of the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A fascinating look into the intersections of architecture, history, and European identity.
Architectural education and practice Sustainability Heritage preservation Art and culture Aesthetics Interdisciplinary approach Cultural heritage and diversity