“Climate change and the housing crisis are two well-known issues, but how can architecture really provide innovative and sustainable responses?”
The contemporary era is characterised by an increasing scarcity of resources in all forms, prompting a profound reflection on the way in which we live.
In light of the increasing necessity to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry, European legislation is requiring the implementation of new environmentally-friendly technologies and approaches to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of the building stock.
Furthermore, the progressive impoverishment of families and the scarce supply of affordable housing on the market have led to a real social emergency and crisis of living that is affecting numerous countries across Europe and beyond.
These phenomena are significantly influencing the construction sector, as the majority of European buildings must be renovated in the near future, particularly social housing due to its pervasive energy poverty.
The twofold reflection on the future of living and the ecological transition is encountered along this path, through a research project that analyses the potential of off-site architecture for collective housing retrofit and new construction.
The project proposes a turnaround to innovate the construction sector by establishing new professions, skills and roles to cope with a constant scarcity of resources and demographic issues such as the ageing population and the increasing life expectancy.
