Transitions, hybridizations, modularities
Microcity Neuchâtel © Bauart / Yves André
Prof. Emmanuel Rey, Head of the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST) and partner of the architectural firm Bauart, was the guest on April 26 of the conferences cycle "Parole d'architecte" organized by the Valais School of Art (EDHEA), in partnership with the Valais Media Library and the Real Estate and Heritage Service of the Canton of Valais. Entitled “Transitions, hybridations, modularités”, his lecture emphasized how the challenges linked to the transition towards sustainability constitute a real "raw material", in the conceptual sense of the term, to rethink some modalities of the architectural project.
The evolution of our built environment towards sustainability translates into a dynamic of transitions. It concerns not only the polycentric restructuring of urban territories but also the ecological management of resources, the decarbonization of systems, and the proactive anticipation of societal changes
In this context, the architectural project is in a dialectical relationship. On the one hand, it can make a significant contribution to these ongoing changes. On the other hand, these challenges lead to rethinking some of its modalities from a multidimensional, multi-scalar, and interdisciplinary perspective.
Based on both theoretical issues and field experiences, his lecture highlighted the strong interactions that – from the regeneration of urban wastelands to the experimental processes of wood prefabrication – link Bauart's research and design approach to these crucial issues.