NEB Concepts | DigiNEB Podcasts

Andrew Dubber in conversation with leading architects, educators, and project leaders

Topic: Building materials and techniques

Andreja Kutnar pt 1 – Wood Science, Sustainable Construction, and the Future of Materials

Andreja Kutnar, wood scientist and professor at the University of Primorska, shares her journey from growing up in a carpentry workshop to leading cutting-edge research on renewable materials. She explores the science behind wood as a construction material, its advantages over steel and concrete, and why understanding its properties is essential for architects and engineers.

Sustainability Building materials and techniques Interdisciplinary approach Nature-based solutions Architectural education and practice Environmental conservation

Andreja Kutnar pt 2 – The New European Bauhaus and Rebuilding with Nature

How do we integrate nature into our cities? Andreja Kutnar discusses the role of the New European Bauhaus in reshaping the built environment with sustainable materials. She explains how timber construction can contribute to climate change mitigation and why we need to rethink our approach to urban planning, housing, and resource use to create healthier living spaces.

New European Bauhaus Sustainability Building materials and techniques Environmental conservation Circular economy Digitalization and innovation

Andreja Kutnar pt 4 – Fire, Water, and the Misconceptions About Timber Buildings

Are wooden buildings a fire risk? Andreja Kutnar challenges common myths about timber construction, explaining why fire resistance is actually one of wood’s strengths. She also discusses the real concern—water damage—and how digital monitoring, careful construction, and skilled labour are crucial to ensuring long-lasting, safe wooden structures.

Sustainability Building materials and techniques Education innovation Technology integration Interdisciplinary approach Architectural education and practice

Davor Meersman pt 1 – Open Source Housing and the Future of Construction

Davor Meersman, chair of the Futurecraft Foundation, discusses how digital tools, automation, and open-source architecture can transform the way we build. He explains how the construction industry lags behind in innovation, why interoperability is crucial for sustainable urban development, and how open digital platforms can make housing more affordable and accessible.

Sustainability Technology integration Building materials and techniques Digitalization and innovation Environmental conservation Knowledge sharing and dissemination

Davor Meersman pt 3 – Smart Cities, Digital Twins, and the Role of AI in Urban Design

How can AI help us build better cities? Davor Meersman explains how digital twins, LiDAR scanning, and neural networks can improve urban planning by preserving natural environments while optimising housing and infrastructure. He explores the challenges of balancing high-tech solutions with real-world urban complexity.

Sustainability Technology integration Building materials and techniques Digitalization and innovation Environmental conservation Knowledge sharing and dissemination

Davor Meersman pt 5 – Should We Stop Building? A Debate on the Future of Urban Development

Do we actually need more buildings? Davor Meersman responds to the argument that we should stop new construction altogether and instead retrofit existing spaces. He examines the environmental costs of traditional materials like concrete and steel, the risks of toxic building materials, and why he believes sustainable new construction must be part of the solution.

Sustainability Building materials and techniques Climate change and adaptation Environmental conservation Resource management and efficiency Lifecycle thinking and long-term planning

Matti Kuittinen pt 1 – Architecture, Policy, and the Challenge of Sustainable Construction

Matti Kuittinen, professor at Aalto University and former policymaker at Finland’s Ministry of the Environment, discusses the intersection of architecture, education, and government. He reflects on the role of policymakers in shaping sustainable construction and whether the building industry can move beyond damage control to become a positive force for the planet.

Sustainability Building materials and techniques Climate change and adaptation Systems thinking Policy-making and evaluation Resource management and efficiency