Green infrastructure is the network of natural green spaces and landscapes within and around urban environments, such as food-growing areas, wetlands, forests, parks and wildlife gardens. Green infrastructure supports biodiversity, enhances ecosystem health, absorbs CO2 and manages adaptations to a changing climate (e.g. flood prevention and overheating). Co-benefits are supporting social activity and human well-being. Your project must tread lightly: after all, placing a new structure is hugely disruptive, as the developed land will have lost its existing ecological value forever. Your choice of site is therefore vital and value and protect existing natural habitats and leave the place better than it was before (i.e. retorative action). To do that, create a green infrastructure plan for your project that identifies and creates a map of the potential impact of your design on existing green infrastructure and on stakeholders and propose remedial measures to ensure a restorative approach. Distribute green spaces of different scales and diversity throughout the city within short walking distances and connect wildlife habitats through parks with green corridors and pedestrian spaces. Prioritise views of nature and trees, integrating generous physical access to different kinds and scales of nature for human and non-humans.

Description Blue infrastructures are natural and human-made water systems at different scales. Integrating blue infrastructure at different scales in your project has multiple benefits, for example for biodiversity, the urban micro climate, reduced water consumption, and they can act as social infrastructure and for climate adaptation. Working with water rather than against it can lead to restorative actions (e.g. by giving water space; recharging the ground water through permeable paving; enabling the thriving of other species).

In your project:

• Map natural and human-made water bodies and understand how your site is affected by water as a threat or an opportunity (e.g., rivers, sea) now and in the future.

• Use permeable landscape surfaces, include space for water retention systems that are also dual-purpose, i.e., spaces for leisure to act as social infrastructure and space for enhancing biodiversity (restorative actions) and that can store water in extreme weather events as part of climate change adaptation.

• To mitigate climate change at micro-scale, always consider efficient appliances as a priority. Then consider water recycling strategies that are low in energy use and embodied energy, e.g. simple rain water harvesting techniques.

Finally, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs) need to be combined at all scales: they all act together to mitigate and adapt to climate change and tackle the biodiversity crisis.

Designing for the climate emergency is not only about focusing on direct impacts (i.e., reducing energy use and CO2 emissions), but responding to its symptoms, (in)direct causes and often unequal consequences. As architects we also hold a significant responsibility towards the public in our work: we are designing the spatial frameworks in which people live their lives and participate in society. As an architect you have a moral obligation to make better decisions, even if you are not rewarded for doing so. This requires a commitment to continuous research, conscious decision-making, curiosity, and creativity to innovate and to challenge the often damaging and unfair status quo. It also requires an in-depth understanding of questions of fairness and justice related to one’s own work.

Your project should never contribute to tipping points and ecological or climate breakdown. Instead, use your design to identify how you can positively impact the planet and restore some of the previous damage done. This means redirecting current human-centric design approaches towards an inclusive, biodiverse, restorative future using the principles of radical inclusivity, biophilia and topophilia. We should strive towards an approachable architecture that can be used by different living-beings in different (adaptable) ways. Following these principles steers us towards more ethical professional practices that support planetary health, instead of damaging it.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important factor in human health, comfort, and productivity. It includes factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of pollutants. Poor IAQ can lead to a variety of health problems, such as respiratory diseases, allergies, and asthma. It can also impact building performance and energy efficiency. IAQ is affected by activities and materials inside buildings, as well as outdoor air pollution. Sources of indoor air pollutants include combustion sources, building materials, cleaning products, pesticides, and people. Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the environmental impact of buildings, including minimizing the release of pollutants and creating buildings that are resilient to climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to the importance of good ventilation and air filtration in indoor spaces.

User Centered Design is an approach to architecture that places the needs and preferences of the end users at the center of the design process. This involves conducting research to learn about demographic, makeup, behaviors, and the preferences of people who use the space. The goal is to create buildings and spaces that are functional, accessible, safe, and appealing to the people who use them. Inclusive public spaces are critical for creating communities that are welcoming, safe and equitable for all individuals. These spaces may play a critical role in promoting social cohesion, reducing discrimination, and building stronger relationships among diverse groups of people. By considering the needs of people with different physical abilities, we can design spaces that are more accessible, and by considering the needs of families with children, architects can design spaces that are safe and appealing for children to play in. User Centered Design can lead to higher levels of user satisfaction and a sense of ownership and responsibility for the spaces that they actually use and care about.

Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of buildings, products, and materials at all stages of their lifecycle. It looks into resource use, pollution, waste, toxicity to air, water, land, humans and ecology, energy and carbon used for extraction, transportation, and manufacturing, and maintenance, demolition, recycling, and waste disposal. Lifecycle Costing (LCC) is a method to assess the financial impacts of buildings, products and materials at all stages of their lifecycle, including the cost of extraction, transportation, production and construction, maintenance, and replacement. In Denmark, from 2023, LCA will be obligatory for all new buildings with more than 1000 square meters. LCC and Whole Life Costing (WCC) are important to consider the long-term costs and benefits of design decisions, and to take into account the resale value of dismantled building elements for reuse in the future. LCA and LCC are useful to understand and evaluate the impacts of material choices, and make more informed decisions.

Key points in material selection include aligning with the environment, socio-cultural factors, and economics, while also focusing on local availability, craftsmanship, and construction methods. Priority lies in minimizing resource use, opting for non-toxic, low-energy, and low-carbon materials, like carbon-sequestering timber. Attention to human health and regional construction practices is crucial.

Local availability and climatic suitability often dictate material choices. Investigate local artisans, existing solutions, and production processes for improvements.

To prevent over-harvesting, explore nearby renewable material sources with clean extraction. Certified materials, like FSC timber, uphold sustainability.

Reuse is paramount; existing structures and materials should be considered first. Urban mining views buildings as material banks, advocating for reuse and repurposing of anthropogenic materials. To source reused materials, create a harvest map detailing resources from demolished buildings, recycling centers, and local surpluses.

Natural materials are found in nature and can be used for structure elements, roofs, insulation, external and internal cladding or furniture. Renewable materials are those that can be easily replenished, such as timber, fax, cork, hemp, cob, stroke, grasses, salt, bamboo and seaweed. Non renewable materials should be natural and abundant, such as stone, earth, clay, sand or organic slightly processed materials. Biogenic materials sequester carbon and absorb more CO2 than they produce in extraction and manufacturing. Recently, there has been an approach to natural materials that focuses on innovation in cultivating, breeding, raising farming or growing future resources, such as wood foam, bio polymers, and fungal mycelium. These materials are cost effective, biodegradable, and have high insulation properties, flame resistance, and a favorable indoor climate

Circular materials are part of circular material flows which promote reuse and reversibility. This includes adaptive reuse of deteriorated abandoned buildings or other existing structures, urban mining, and reclaiming materials for reuse in place or elsewhere. Recycled materials are reprocessed into products, materials and substances, while upcycling and downcycling involve transforming and reinventing ordinary objects into extraordinary elements. Reusing materials can reduce demand for primary resources, reduce carbon emissions, and minimize the amount of waste generated in the future. Reuse and recycled materials can be found in reuse material shops, second hand shops, or online platforms, and a harvest map can be created to show accessible sources of construction waste or other materials.

The talk focuses on the crucial role of building fabric, also known as the building envelope, which remains relatively constant over time but holds immense influence over a building's comfort systems. This envelope acts as a shield against external weather conditions and microclimates, encompassing factors like solar radiation, wind, precipitation, temperature, and humidity. As our climate undergoes shifts, the quality of the building fabric becomes even more vital. It has the potential to greatly reduce the reliance on heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems, effectively minimizing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Essential elements for designing in response to climate changes include weather protection, insulation, air tightness, and moisture management. Moreover, design choices should incorporate aesthetics, accessibility, and materials.

• Options like sealed and permeable systems exist for effective weather protection.

• Insulation is a cornerstone consideration, recommending thicker insulation for colder climates and strategies like the passive house standard for comprehensive energy efficiency.

• Airtightness is paramount in temperate and cold climates to prevent heat loss, while a balanced ventilation system ensures optimal indoor air quality. Managing internal moisture is equally vital to avert issues like mold growth and material deterioration.

• Incorporating thermal mass, whether structural or non-structural, can enhance a building's capacity to absorb and release heat.

Passive House design is an innovative approach in architecture that focuses on achieving exceptional energy efficiency and comfort within buildings. This approach is rooted in the principle of minimizing energy consumption by utilizing natural resources and optimizing the building envelope.

Passive House buildings are meticulously designed to maintain a constant indoor temperature through careful insulation, airtight construction, and efficient ventilation systems. High-performance windows, advanced insulation materials, and thermal bridges reduction are integral components of this strategy. By harnessing solar gains and internal heat sources, these buildings can significantly reduce the need for traditional heating and cooling systems.

The Passive House concept prioritizes a holistic design philosophy, emphasizing the synergy between architectural elements and energy efficiency. Notably, it aligns with sustainable practices by substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

Self-sustaining design approaches at their core, these approaches embrace a holistic philosophy that seeks to harmonize human habitats with the natural world while reducing resource consumption and minimizing environmental impact.

Central to this concept is the aim to achieve self-sufficiency, wherein buildings generate their energy and resources, striving for net-zero or even positive energy balance. This involves integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems, coupled with innovative energy storage solutions.

Passive design strategies play a vital role, leveraging the local climate and environment to optimize heating, cooling, and lighting without heavy reliance on mechanical systems. Water conservation is also paramount, employing techniques like rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and efficient irrigation.

Materials selection takes on a sustainable ethos, favouring eco-friendly and locally sourced options to reduce embodied energy and minimize transportation impact.

Regional design approaches embody the ethos of contextual sensitivity, blending cultural, climatic, and geographical influences to create structures harmoniously integrated with their surroundings. Rooted in the belief that architecture should respond to local conditions, these approaches celebrate regional materials, traditional craftsmanship, and vernacular styles. By embracing the unique characteristics of a specific locale, regional design fosters a sense of place and cultural identity. It seeks to optimize energy efficiency by harnessing natural resources and climate patterns. Moreover, regional design encourages sustainable practices by minimizing transportation of materials and reducing the carbon footprint associated with construction. Ultimately, it showcases a deep respect for the environment and heritage while offering innovative solutions that resonate with the community and enhance the built environment's overall resilience and longevity.

The microclimate refers to the local climatic condition that exists within a small specific area such as a garden, park or urban street. It is influenced by factors such as the surrounding terrain, vegetation cover, topography and buildings. The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where urban or developed areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, typically by several degrees Celsius. This effect is caused by a combination of factors related to human activities, including the construction of buildings and roads, the use of dark surfaces, loss of vegetation and the generation of heat by vehicles, machinery and other sources. Trees and other vegetation provide shade and cool the air through the process of transpiration, so when vegetation is removed or reduced, there is less shade and cooling, leading to higher temperatures. The urban heat island effect can have several negative impacts on human health, including increased risk of heart related illnesses, increased energy consumption and increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emission.

This talk is about passive resilience and atmospheric conditions. It discusses the differences between the atmosphere and climate, and the four factors that make up the atmospheric condition: temperature, humidity, wind, solar exposure, and precipitation. Temperature has a direct impact on energy and efficiency, and passive design techniques such as building orientation, insulation, and shading can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. In hot climates, passive cooling strategies such as shading and ventilation can reduce the need for active cooling systems. In cold climates, passive solar heating and thermal mass materials can help reduce the need for energy intensive heating systems. It is important to consider the temperature range for a location when selecting building materials to ensure they are durable and appropriate for the local climate. Energy efficiency can be improved by considering the temperature of a building and using passive cooling techniques.

Designing for climates is the process of designing spaces that are well adapted to the local climate and weather conditions, with the goal of minimizing the building's energy consumption, maximizing indoor comfort, and reducing the negative impacts on the environment. Climate plays an important role in shaping human settlement, as it affects a ways people interact with the environment and the types of buildings and infrastructure that are required to support their needs. Contextual design and place-based design includes the spirit of place, also referred to as a genius loci, which focuses on the unique identity of place and its local natural systems, landscaping and environment. An example of this is the Danish vernacular wing houses and half timber houses, which were designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions in Denmark and were orientated with S facades or SW facades to maximize solar gain and minimize exposure to prevailing winds. Climate is affected by latitude, distribution of land and sea wind systems as well as the altitude of the location, and microclimates refer to the specific conditions and the immediate vicinity of a site such as wind patterns, temperature fluctuations and exposure to sunlight.

This talk is about the relationship between climate and architecture, and how understanding the climatic zones can help inform the design of a building. The northern and southern hemispheres, as well as the Equatorial zone, have unique environmental conditions that influence the design of spaces, the architectural approach, and the materials used. The global wind directions are largely influenced by the Earth's rotation and the unequal heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, and the distribution of land and water masses across the planet. Examples of wind directions include the trade winds, westerly winds, and polar easterlies. It is important to consider these climatic factors when designing a building, as the solar radiation and global winds can have a significant impact on the amount and intensity of solar radiation that a building receives.

Circular design approaches embrace the principles of circular economy, aiming to minimize waste and optimize resource usage throughout a building's lifecycle. This innovative approach challenges the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model by promoting a closed-loop system. Architectural circularity involves designing structures that prioritize durability, adaptability, and ease of disassembly. Materials are chosen based on their potential for reuse, recycling, or upcycling, reducing the depletion of virgin resources and curbing environmental impact. They also emphasize modular construction, enabling components to be easily replaced or repurposed as needs evolve. This approach extends the lifespan of buildings, enhances their resilience, and reduces demolition waste.

Distinct from sustainable design, regenerative architecture reverses ecological damage and seeks a net-positive environmental impact. Transitioning from sustainability to regeneration, architects question how to not only use limited resources but also restore them. This approach fosters resilience to natural challenges, providing a progressive solution to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

The regenerative design process employs systemic thinking and involves integrating the natural world as both the inspiration and generator for architectural designs. It encompasses two essential aspects: minimizing environmental impacts through conscious material choices, reduced energy consumption, and intelligent design; and treating the environment as an equal partner in the architectural process. By understanding natural and living systems deeply, regenerative architecture embraces millions of years of evolution and engineering, creating structures that harmoniously coexist with their surroundings.

By embracing regenerative architecture, the construction industry can shift from minimizing harm to actively benefiting the environment, aligning design with nature's principles and promoting a more sustainable, prosperous future.