Climate change has been one of the most pressing topics of this year, and for a good reason. Its effects are visible not only in natural habitats but also in urban environments. The construction industry has an important role to play in this dynamic. Throughout the year, events such as COP27 emphasized the importance of striving to achieve net carbon zero and the challenges faced by developing countries affected by increasingly devastating natural disasters. Possible directions for development include actions at varying stages and scales, from optimizing green spaces for urban heat control to employing local and innovative building materials to minimize the carbon footprint or passing laws that help create more sustainable urban and natural environments.
This article represents a roundup of articles published on ArchDaily during the course of 2022 with themes related to climate change and architecture’s potential to make a difference. It breaks down the topic into four main questions: What Are Cities Doing to Mitigate Urban Heat? How to Tackle Rising Sea Levels? What Was COP27 and Why Does It Matter? Can Building Materials Play a Role in Achieving These Goals? The last section presents an overview of new legislation approved during 2022 as a way of understanding how state and local governments are imposing this need for change.
Read on to discover 2022’s leading ideas and themes related to the ways in which architecture and urban planning can help mitigate the effects of climate change and create more resilient cities.
What Are Cities Doing to Mitigate Urban Heat?
In cities, one of the more visible effects of climate change is the intensifying heat waves hitting urban environments and putting millions of people in danger. Densely-populated cities are particularly at risk, partly because of the urban heat island effect. Heat risk levels also vary by neighborhood, with less affluent and historically marginalized sectors being the most affected due to the density of the population, limited access to cooling systems, and the limited availability of green urban spaces. To combat these effects, cities have the possibility of employing several strategies to keep their residents safe: from strategically using green infrastructure to lower temperatures, using reflective surfaces and passive cooling systems, to preparing climate shelters and even apps to help citizens safely navigate the city during the hot months.
How are Cities Adapting to Heatwaves in the Face of Climate Change
Strategic Green Spaces: How to Make the Most of their Cooling Effects
Urban Heat Islands Are Increasingly Dangerous, But Planners and Designers Have Solutions
Barcelona Prepares Climate Shelters to Keep Residents Cool During the Summer Months
15 Years Later and What Do You Get? A Lot More Cars and a Planet in Flames
Cities Address Environmental Issues with Digital Twins, Climate Research and Bee Bricks Mandates
How to Tackle Rising Sea Levels?
The rising sea levels threaten the livelihood of over 410 million people living in coastal cities. As these cities represent a point of attraction for residents, tourists, and businesses encouraged by the proximity of ports and maritime transportation, land use in these areas tends to favor density, with high-rise buildings and traffic-laden roads occupying most of the available space. This strategy has been proven inefficient in mitigating the effects of natural disasters affecting the areas, such as coastal erosion and recurring cyclones and floods. Architects and designers are looking at natural and vernacular solutions for rebalancing coastal ecosystems, like recreating mangrove forests, creating habitat breakwaters, or expanding offshore onto floating developments.
What Does the Future Hold for Coastal Cities Following the Aftermaths of Climate Change?
Nature-based Protection Against Storm Surges
Amid Pakistan’s Devastating Floods, Architects and Urban Planners Are Developing Flood Control Methods
Construction Materials that Increase Resilience to Natural Disasters
The Maldives is Combating Rising Sea Levels with Auto-Responsive Floating City
Floating Cities of the Past and Future
The Right to the Beach: Walling off Coastal Erosion
What Was COP27 and Why Does It Matter?
COP 27, or the 2022 United Nations Conference of the Parties, was an international conference held in in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with the purpose of encouraging countries to take effective action against climate change and ensure that the global temperature increase remains below the 1.5°C mark. As the building industry is responsible for a large percentage of global emissions, this goal reflects heavily upon the profession. The main challenge is summarized in the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions and committing to undertaking whole lifecycle carbon assessment for building to better understand their impact. This year’s conference also recognized the necessity to build climate resilience in vulnerable countries from the Global South.
What COP27 Means for Architecture and the Construction Industry
Stefano Boeri Architetti Unveils Vertical Forest Prototype at COP27
At COP27, SOM Presents Urban Sequoia, a Building Proposal that Absorbs Carbon from the Atmosphere
During COP27, the Necessity to Achieve Net Zero Comes into Sharp Focus
Has the Pandemic Halted the Road to Net-Zero Carbon?
San Marino Declaration for Sustainable and Inclusive Architecture Receives Signatures of Norman Foster and Stefano Boeri
Can Building Materials Play a Role in Achieving These Goals?
This past year has seen a rising interest in researching and developing sustainable alternatives to commonly used building materials such as bricks and concrete. The purpose is to reduce the carbon footprint embedded in these materials. One of the most prominent fields in this endeavor is biofacture, a process involving biological organisms in manufacturing materials. Architects and designers are also looking into vernacular technologies and craftsmanship to better understand local conditions, involve the community, and profit from its knowledge of local conditions and constraints. This movement could have a significant impact in combating ecological degradation.
Crafts against Climate Change: Eco-materials from India
The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture
10 Start-ups Creating Innovative and Sustainable Building Materials, from Mycelium Bricks to Water Purifying Tiles
The Future of Architecture: Imagining a World Where Buildings are Constructed from Living Materials
Biotechnology and Green Tech: A New Material World for Sustainable Architecture
New Legislation Implemented in 2022
The laws passed by city or state officials represent a major step in ensuring that sustainable practices are implemented widely. This year, various laws were passed to help create safer and more resilient urban environments. Some look at buildings’ energy consumption, some regulate stormwater management, while others aim to create safe conditions for at-risk communities.
Cities from US and Europe Seek to Ban Fossil Fuels in New Buildings
Chicago’s City-Owned Buildings Set to Use 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2025
Cities Embrace Climate Action Planning to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Climate Change
New York City Bans the Construction of New Schools Near Highways
Permeability Rate: Complying With Legislation and Protecting the Environment
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review presented by Randers Tegl.
“When creating unique architecture, visionary ideas aren’t always enough. A unique look demands character, courage, and distinctive materials. And a format to achieve the extraordinary. At Randers Tegl, we aim to add a unique touch to exceptional brickworks by bringing premium bricks to life and into the world of architecture. Making the impossible possible. We are proud to be a part of unique architecture worldwide since 1911.”
Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and projects. Learn more about our ArchDaily topics. As always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.
