The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) is proud to take part in SHIFT, a two-day programme of workshops taking place at the Speakers’ Corner, Arsenale, during the Biennale Architettura 2025.
As part of the GENS Public Programme, SHIFT explores a crucial question for the built environment:
How must architecture and construction evolve in the face of the climate crisis?
A New Direction in Architecture
SHIFT sends a powerful message: Modern architecture has failed to meet today’s environmental and social challenges.
It is time to SHIFT — toward resilient, climate-conscious, and people-centred building practices that draw from local knowledge, empower regional value chains, and listen to both people and the planet.
Saturday, 21 June | 15:00–18:00
Theme: Activating Local Value Chains and Knowledge
Location: Speakers’ Corner, Corderie dell’Arsenale
Session Abstract:
This workshop highlights how local resources, skills, and cultural practices can contribute to sustainable and resilient construction ecosystems. Through keynote contributions and interactive discussion, the session will showcase innovative regional strategies that can scale to meet global challenges.
Moderator:
Bruno Sauer (Green Building Council España)
Introduction:
Christine Lemaitre (CEO, DGNB)
Thomas Auer (Transsolar)
Speakers:
- Martin Haas (haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050)
- Illya Azaroff (President, AIA National)
- Vera Hartmann (Sauerbruch Hutton)
- Gaëtan Siew (UIA Ambassador to COP)
- Ruth Schagemann (President, Architects’ Council of Europe – ACE)
👉 ACE President Ruth Schagemann will contribute to this important dialogue, reflecting the Council’s commitment to advancing sustainable, human-centred architectural practices across Europe and beyond.
Sunday, 22 June | 13:00–16:00
Theme: Climate Adaptation by Learning from the Global South
Location: Speakers’ Corner, Corderie dell’Arsenale
Session Abstract:
This workshop investigates how insights from the Global South can inform more equitable and effective climate adaptation strategies. Emphasis will be placed on real-world examples and community-based approaches that strengthen social and environmental resilience through design.
Moderator:
Sebastian C. Koth (Technical University of Munich)
Introduction:
Christine Lemaitre (CEO, DGNB)
Thomas Auer (Transsolar)
Speakers:
- Ashok B. Lall (Ashok B Lall Architects, India)
- Martin Despang (Despang Architekten / University of Hawai‘i)
- Stefan Behnisch (Behnisch Architekten)
- Daniel A. Barber (Technical University of Eindhoven)
- Hilmar von Lojewski (German Association of Cities)
