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 disseminationDavor Meersman pt 2 – Wicked Problems: Migration, Housing, and Climate Change
What do affordable housing, migration, and climate change have in common? Davor Meersman explores how these interlinked crises require systemic solutions rather than isolated fixes. He shares insights from his research into urbanisation and global inequality, explaining why technological innovation alone isn’t enough—and how cities must rethink how they grow and develop.
New European Bauhaus Urban design and development Technology integration Social renewal and societal change Community engagement Systems thinkingDavor 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 disseminationDavor Meersman pt 4 – Carbon Sequestration, Sustainable Materials, and Open Source Design
Can the way we build houses help fight climate change? Davor Meersman discusses how wood construction can act as a carbon sink, the financial incentives behind carbon sequestration, and how open-source architecture can accelerate the shift to sustainable building practices. He also unpacks the economic models that could make nature-based materials the default choice in construction.
Sustainability Urban design and development European collaboration and policy Technology integration Climate change and adaptation Co-creation and participatory designDavor 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 planningDavor Meersman pt 6 – The Next Generation of City Building: Open Source, AI, and Community Design
What if anyone could help design their own neighbourhood? Davor Meersman lays out his vision for a future where open-source architecture, AI-assisted design, and participatory urban planning empower communities to shape their own environments. He discusses how new digital tools can make urban development more democratic and responsive to real human needs.
Architectural education and practice Urban design and development Technology integration Digitalization and innovation Co-creation and participatory design Inclusion