New Strategies and Building Methods in Times of Climate Change Part II

Research for new solutions for the built environment as a result of low tech and visionary technologies in times of climate change

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time and the consequences of climate change are already making themselves felt globally. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. Statistically, heat waves, storms and floods are getting more and more intense and it is likely that storms will continue to increase in frequency in the future. In the framework of the European programme LINA we are organising workshops and seminars with experts and planners on this topic. This project aims to respond to climate challenges in the construction industry and find workable solutions by researching and combining well-established and new research results in the field of construction methods and materials – bringing together the all-time best. Building from the research of the LINA Fellows in spring 2023 at HDA in Graz, in which traditional as well as new, sustainable building types were gathered and compiled in a publication, in the second part of the research lab we will initiate a design lab. In cooperation with the Chair for Building Construction, Building Technology, and Design, Prof. Martin Ostermann, University Stuttgart, a workshop will take place February 13–27, 2024. For this, we are currently searching for five Fellows who would like to join us in developing new ideas for climate-resilient designs and projects.

The aim within this workshop was to develop new typologies for buildings in regions that are affected by severe weather/flooding or overheating/drought. Each of the Fellows led a group of approximately three students with whom they will co-develop new designs as response to climatic challenges. These will be depicted with the help of plans, images, and models. The institute is equipped with material samples and a 3D printer, which will be made available for model production.