Climate-neutral construction: This is how we create cooler apartments in Frankfurt!

Climate-neutral construction: This is how we create cooler apartments in Frankfurt!

Climate change is on everyone's lips, and so architecture is also required to adapt to the changing climate. This is the central theme of the exhibition “Architecture and Energy”, which is currently being shown at the German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt am Main. The focus there is on innovative projects from Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, France and Spain. These flagship projects rely on intelligent use of energy and circular solutions to build in an environmentally friendly way. An example of this is a culture and information center in Origin, which is heated by a photovoltaic system and a bioheater. These approaches are not only visionary, but also urgently necessary, as the operation of buildings already accounts for around 30% of global final energy consumption, as NZZ reports.

In Barcelona, ​​social housing relies on an innovative glass roof that optimizes heating and cooling processes without relying on air conditioning. A conversion project in Memmingen, which transformed a residential building into a daycare center, also shows how minor interventions in the building structure can enable sustainable solutions. Professor Gustav Düsing from the UDK brings up an exciting idea: He suggests using industrial buildings as material storage facilities for future construction projects. The message is becoming clearer: a social rethink is required in order to implement climate-neutral approaches in architecture.

The challenges of climate change to architecture

Climate change not only has an impact on the environment, but also poses new challenges for architecture. Architects are required to reconcile aesthetic demands with the new climatic conditions. This means a growing focus on sustainability and the use of innovative materials. Extreme weather conditions require new approaches to building design. Energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources are at the top of the agenda. According to architects selection, it is becoming increasingly important to integrate natural elements into the design and to take local conditions into account. This is the only way we can create living spaces that are in harmony with nature.

A striking trend is the use of recycled materials and upcycling methods. More and more projects are relying on intelligent materials that react to environmental influences. Digital technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and the Internet of Things (IoT) not only optimize the planning process, but also improve the indoor climate. All of this shows that creativity and adaptability are required in architecture in order to develop sustainable solutions.

Sustainability as a standard in architecture

Sustainable architecture not only has a positive impact on the environment, but also on people's quality of life. Efficient water management, good insulation and the use of renewable energies are essential factors for sustainable construction projects. Figures show that sustainable practices can significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. As Umweltdesigner shows, the value of buildings also increases through the focus on sustainability, which is also a plus point for economic reasons.

But the challenges should not be underestimated: higher costs for sustainable materials and the suitability of older buildings for innovative technologies are key aspects that need to be overcome. But despite these hurdles, it is clear that the future of architecture lies in sustainability. Current developments prove that it is possible to build in a climate-friendly manner while meeting aesthetic requirements at the same time. The exhibition in Frankfurt is impressive proof that a rethink and innovative solutions are necessary to meet the challenges of climate change!