Brick Award 24 Architecture Symposium: Pioneering Sustainability and Beauty in Brick Architecture

The Brick Award 24 Architecture Symposium, themed "Sustainable Horizons: Advancing Architecture through Scalable Innovations," took place on June 7th at the prestigious Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna. This event united visionary architects and designers to explore the future of brick architecture.

Currently, the building sector contributes to over a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. With an area the size of Paris being developed every week worldwide, radical change is imperative. Prioritising existing materials through reconstruction, refurbishment, or repurposing is crucial. A shift towards regenerative, ethically produced, low-carbon, and bio-based building materials is urgently needed. This transformation demands innovative and scalable solutions across the architecture field.

The symposium delved into these developments, spanning landscape architecture, urban planning, and affordable housing. It presented thought-provoking ideas, visions, and projects, sparking discussions on the architectural challenges we face, and the innovative solutions required to build a sustainable future for all. The event served as a melting pot of groundbreaking ideas, sustainable practices, and insights into how architecture can address some of our most pressing global challenges.

Opening Insights 

Lily Holland, General Director of the Museum of Applied Arts, opened the symposium with a stirring speech. She emphasized the historic relationship, spanning over 160 years, between the museum and the brick industry. By highlighting their shared dedication to sustainability, Holland set the tone for a day rich with thought-provoking discussions.

Veronica Hejdelind, the symposium's moderator, meticulously outlined the event's structure. The symposium was divided into two blocks of keynote presentations, punctuated by Q&A sessions, and culminating in a dynamic panel discussion. Veronica emphasised the crucial role the building sector plays in combating climate change, setting a tone of urgency and responsibility.

Jennifer Benningfield, founder of openstudio architects, captivated the audience with her presentation, "Joy and Bravery: Creating Sustainable Homes." Jennifer explored the profound connection between people and their environments, advocating for spaces that foster joy and a sense of belonging. “We think that there is a connection between the joy and fulfilment that people feel in spaces and their sense of responsibility towards that space and to the environment as a whole,” she noted, encapsulating the ethos of her talk.

Jens Linnet (pictured below), founding partner of BOGL, challenged conventional notions of beauty in his presentation, "Challenging Tradition: What We Think of When We Think of Something Beautiful." Jens highlighted projects that blend sustainability with innovative uses of recycled materials, urging a paradigm shift towards regenerative thinking. “We need to take a step more and think about all living nature to find a better balance where not only the circulation and sustainable thinking, but actually regenerative thinking creates something that gives positive feedback for all nature.”

Gabriela Carrillo, co-founder of Colectivo C733, focused on the transformative power of public spaces in her talk, "Public and Collective." Gabriela highlighted projects that repurpose existing structures and use local materials to create inclusive environments. “We believe that architecture can express freedom and that it is powerful and important to create spaces that are open and flexible for the community,” she asserted, emphasizing architecture's role in social equity.

Boonserm Premthada (pictured below), a renowned Thai architect and founder of Bangkok Project Studio, offered a unique perspective with his presentation, "Making Sense: Nonhuman Centered Architecture." Boonserm’s work integrates the needs of both human and nonhuman inhabitants, exemplified by projects designed for elephants. “Humanity is not just about human relationships; we add our humanity to our relationship with other living creatures on the planet,” he explained, broadening the scope of architectural responsibility.

Panel Discussion

The panel discussion further delved into themes of sustainability, community engagement, and future architectural trends. Speakers shared insights on designing for longevity, the pivotal role of architects in addressing climate change, and the necessity for inclusive architectural practices. The dialogue also touched on integrating nature and biodiversity into designs, underscoring a holistic approach to architecture.

Conclusion 

The Brick 24 Symposium was a testament to the evolving role of architecture in addressing global challenges. By showcasing the expertise of leading architects and fostering a dialogue on sustainable and inclusive design practices, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation. As Jens Linnet aptly put it, “We need to take a step more and think about all living nature to find a better balance.” 

For those passionate about the future of brick architecture and sustainable design, the Brick 24 Symposium offered invaluable insights and inspiration. You can watch the livestream of the event on YouTube.