by Arthur Casas

at first, it may sound a bit naïve, or even activist, but reflecting upon the role of architecture in combating climate change is everything but that. I am referring to an empirical statement, a condition that putsd itself on the work of the architect, something that today permeates a big part of the demands to which we attend on an every day basis in the office.

It is not hard to understand how we got here. Over 70% of greenhouse gas are generated in cities. These gases are the mais cause of global warming, therefore, our built environments are causing serious collateral effects capable of threatening the very human survival. Without a deep transformation, urban especially, to meet the environmental goals is impossible.

The international treaty known as the Paris Agreement determines that the signatory countries, including Brazil, must reduce emissions to avoid raising global temperature more than 1.5°C until 2030. We are talking about a horizon of only nine years. If we consider the average construction cycle, between two to three years, depending on the project, the proposed changes must happen starting from… yesterday.

the material research, which has always been a signature of our Studio, includes ecoefficiency as criteria today. Natural lighting and ventilation gain growing importance for they represent energy economy and the preservation of natural resources. Landscaping becomes a strategic tool  in the reduction of environmental impact. Technology gains protagonism in the search for smart solutions that offer quality of life allied to environmental balance. It is a transformation that radiates from the way of thinking and making the buildings. The bad news is that we are running against time. The good news is that it is up to us, architects, to give our contribution and, who knows, make a difference.