Whether it’s heavy rain or heatwaves, floods or droughts, extreme weather is no longer a rarity, and this applies globally. Scientists have mentioned that Europe, which is warming the fastest due to man-made climate change, recorded over 60,000 excess deaths due to heat in 2022. In 2023, there were more than 47,000 heat-related deaths. Most of these individuals had pre-existing health conditions, but the hot temperatures placed additional strain on their bodies.
2024 was Earth’s warmest year since modern record-keeping began and the past 10 consecutive years have been the warmest on record. Architects and urban planners can no longer ignore these statistics. Carlo Ratti, curator of the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, emphasizes that to address a “burning world,” architecture must utilize the intelligence around us. The theme of the biennale, “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective,” refers to the challenges we face and invites different types of intelligence to collaborate in rethinking the built environment.
The greatest concern is the overheating of urban areas, caused by the heavy sealing of cities with concrete and asphalt surfaces, with too few trees to provide shade and help cool them. During heavy rain, sealed surfaces prevent water from seeping into the ground, leading to the collapse of sewage systems. Peter Cachola Schmal, director of the Deutsches Architekturmuseum in Frankfurt, points out that while the problems and solutions are well known, implementation is lacking. He cites the example of Paul-Arnsberg-Platz in Frankfurt, which has been redesigned and rebuilt to address its previously oven-like climate.
Climate adaptation is on the agenda, requiring municipalities and taxpayers to invest a significant amount of money. Paris is seen as a model in this regard, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo implementing a radical transportation revolution in response to the crisis. Other cities like Copenhagen and Rotterdam are transforming themselves into flood-resistant “sponge cities.” Studies and museum exhibitions are also being conducted to highlight the importance of climate-friendly construction.
Elisabeth Endres, professor of building technology at the University of Braunschweig, calls for a global “construction revolution.” The German Pavilion at the Lido allows visitors to experience firsthand what the future urban climate will feel like: hot, oppressive, and dangerous. The message appears to have already reached many people, with climate activists and citizens taking steps to address climate change. Museums are also showcasing successful projects of climate-adapted designs. The Architecture Biennale is expected to provide the impetus for change, as the impact of global warming will be felt by everyone and prompt swift action.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/venice-architecture-biennale-preparing-for-extreme-heat-in-cities/a-72462351?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
