Architecture must always be ready to strike out in new directions if it wants to create spaces that future generations will enjoy living and working in. However, we can only create buildings that continue to provide a high quality of life in the future by combining proven and tested architectural principles with modern, innovative solutions. Today this is more important than ever since the current ecological challenges we face demand a sweeping transformation toward a greener economy.
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Contemporary architecture must embrace a holistic approach – now more than ever
© Daniel Hinterramskogler
A holistic approach for functional aesthetics and sustainable quality
There are few areas where this change must be implemented as wisely and as carefully as in the field of architecture, where a welcoming, attractive ambience and affordability are just as important as environmentally-friendliness and energy efficiency. Only if these criteria are balanced innovative solutions can unleash their full impact and produce a result that combines a high quality of life with sustainability and appealing aesthetics.
This edition of architectum shows how this can be done. The case studies presented here include a number of projects involving work on historic protected buildings, such as the re-roofing of Europe’s largest brick-built church in Gdansk, Poland, or the new buildings that have been erected in the grounds of the former Turley barracks in Mannheim, Germany. These examples show how innovative concepts and materials can be used in a way that preserves the unique character of the buildings by respecting the historical heritage while at the same time creating completely new qualities. This holistic approach is a vital prerequisite for functional aesthetics and thus for a sustainable quality of life.
„Ambience and affordability are just as important as environmentally-friendliness and energy efficiency. ” - Heimo Scheuch, CEO Wienerberger AG.
Be inspired by our best practice examples
I hope you will be inspired by this and the other best practice examples described here, including a Viennese housing complex in a colorful sunflower style, a Dutch leather and shoe museum that pays tribute to craftsmanship and an old hen house that has been given a new lease of life as a country house full of character.
I hope you will enjoy reading about them all as much as I did.
