For a resilient development of the built environment

In the Architecture & Urban Development ThinkTank, we work together with political decision-makers, experts and civil society to identify relevant influences and developments. Our aim is to derive scenarios, strategies and design options for a sustainable urban space. Our holistic approach combines research, teaching, projects, publications and events to create a central location for current and future challenges. The ThinkTank offers a collaborative environment for the property sector, the construction industry, outfitters and planning offices, as well as cities and municipalities to drive innovation, engage in discourse and develop strategies.

The world is undergoing a major transformation. The Anthropocene, characterised by uncontrolled growth and exploitation of natural resources, is giving way to a new era in which social conditions and the health of the planet are in harmony. This cultural shift, driven by social, political and technological changes, affects not only our daily lives, but also the design, construction and use of our existing and future settlements. As the world changes, our built environments must adapt to the post-anthropocene.

In our presentations and workshops, we make knowledge understandable and adapt it to the target audience. Our programme ranges from in-depth specialist presentations to the joint development of visions and positions in close cooperation. In short, the ThinkTank creates a space for constructive dialogue to address the challenges of our time and shape a sustainable future – not only for us, but also for future generations.

Conflicting goals in the sustainability debate

In our digital lecture series ‘Conflicting goals in the sustainability debate’, we explore the transformation from the Anthropocene era to a post-anthropocene future (see Arup 2019). In setting and pursuing the goals of this transformation, significant problems in the form of conflicting goals become apparent. Different goals are in direct competition with each other, blocking their implementation and the transformation to a sustainable, future-proof and resilient city. Examples of such conflicting goals are ‘densification vs. green space’, ‘increased timber construction vs. sustainable forestry’ or ‘urban redevelopment vs. preservation of existing buildings’. Experts from academia, research and practice will give short presentations on various key topics, which will then be discussed in dialogue with our guests.

Scenarios for the city of tomorrow – AI & New Ways of Working

The AI & New Ways of Working event focussed on the topic of artificial intelligence in relation to our working world and urban development.

Scenarios for the City of Tomorrow – Food in the City

The Food in the City event focused on the impact of food production and consumption on the city and the health of its inhabitants.

Scenarios for the City of Tomorrow – Climate change

The aim of the ‘Scenarios for the City of Tomorrow’ series of events is to discuss specific solutions for the built environment from the perspective of different ‘drivers of change’ (such as climate change, migration, social inequality, etc.). The first event on climate change assessed the impact of climate change on our cities and developed ideas for a climate-friendly city.

Density on the test bench

The series of events ‘Density on the test bench’ focused on densification and housing development under the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic. What conclusions can be drawn from the Covid-19 pandemic about densified structures in terms of typologies, forms of housing, interspaces and organisational structures? National and international experts from various fields discussed various key issues and theses.

Trailer ThinkTank «Architecture & urban development»