Topic: Policy-making and evaluation
Andreja Kutnar pt 5 – Inclusion, Policy, and the Role of Wood in a Circular Economy
What role should policy play in promoting sustainable materials? Andreja Kutnar highlights the importance of education, regulation, and public awareness in shifting construction towards more sustainable practices. She explores the potential for material banks, circularity in timber buildings, and the policies that can help ensure that renewable resources are used responsibly.
Sustainability Climate change and adaptation Education innovation Policy-making and evaluation Technology integration Local and regional solutionsFrancesca Rizzo pt 3 – Digital Twins, Public Space, and Citizen Engagement
Can digital twins help us plan better cities? Francesca Rizzo shares insights from projects that use technology to create digital models of urban spaces, from historic fountains to entire neighbourhoods. She explains how these tools can improve maintenance, support policy decisions, and help citizens visualise the impact of urban development.
Digital twins and simulations Urban design and development Inclusion Policy-making and evaluation Interdisciplinary approach Quality of life and well-beingFrank van der Hoeven pt 4 – Sustainability, Infrastructure, and the Future of European Cities
Massive infrastructure projects—from bridges to industrial ports—pose some of the toughest sustainability challenges. Frank van der Hoeven discusses the transformation of Rotterdam’s vast petrochemical hub, the role of bio-based solutions, and the difficult balance between economic transition and environmental responsibility. He also reflects on the strange beauty of industrial landscapes and what might come next for Europe’s largest port.
Sustainability Climate change and adaptation Urban design and development Co-creation and participatory design Policy-making and evaluation Community engagementMarkus Reymann pt 6 – Art, Empathy, and Engaging with the Ocean
How do we make people care? Markus Reymann reflects on the challenges of capturing public attention in the digital age, where constant scrolling erodes deep engagement. He shares how his Venice-based project Ocean Space uses public programming, participatory art, and unconventional approaches to spark a deeper connection with the marine environment.
Environmental conservation Accessibility Ecosystem approach Climate change and adaptation Digitalization and innovation Policy-making and evaluationMatti 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 efficiencySelma Harrington pt 3 – Preserving Heritage, Policy Conflicts, and Water Mapping
How do you balance historic preservation with modern accessibility? Selma Harrington discusses the complexities of architectural policy, the contradictions in conservation regulations, and the challenges of adapting heritage buildings. She also introduces "Map for Water," an initiative mapping Sarajevo’s historic drinking fountains, blending sustainability, heritage, and civic engagement.
Heritage preservation Sustainability Local and regional solutions Accessibility Water management and design Policy-making and evaluation