29 September 2026 — ACE President Daniel Fügenschuh took part in the 10th EESC Liberal Professions Day in Brussels, held under the theme Preparedness in the EU: the role of the liberal professions. Speaking in the panel on prevention, continuity and public health, he set out how architecture can help communities prepare for crises.

“When resilience is embedded into design from the outset, physical space acts as a vital buffer,” he said. Buildings and public spaces are where people experience extreme heat, flooding and other shocks. Their design can either increase vulnerability or help limit harm and support recovery.

Three dimensions of preparedness

First, Europe must design for future extremes, rather than relying on historical climate averages. Nature-based solutions, green roofs and local water retention can help reduce flooding and urban heat. Fügenschuh pointed to Benthemplein water square in Rotterdam, designed by De Urbanisten. It is a place for recreation in dry weather and stores stormwater when heavy rain falls.

Second, buildings need the flexibility to support continuity during a crisis. Adaptable layouts and components that can be dismantled make it easier to change a building’s use, repair it or reuse its materials. Pakhuset Braunstein in Køge, designed by ADEPT, illustrates this approach: the building was conceived so it could be disassembled and potentially reassembled elsewhere if its coastal location requires it.

Third, preparedness must put people’s health and social connections at its centre. Good ventilation, daylight and comfortable spaces support wellbeing, while welcoming public spaces help build stronger communities. Barcelona’s Superblocks, an initiative of Barcelona City Council, demonstrate how reallocating streets to pedestrians and greenery can improve the everyday urban environment.

A culture of prevention

ACE President called on public authorities to bring risk reduction into spatial planning, legislation and public investment. He highlighted the need to assess vulnerable buildings, discourage development in high-risk areas, and identify safe land and potential shelters before disasters occur.

“No single profession can build societal resilience alone,” he concluded.

Architects can help shape the physical framework, working alongside health professionals, engineers, legal and financial experts, and public authorities to protect the public interest.

ACE thanks the Liberal Professions Category of the European Economic and Social Committee for organising the event and creating space for this exchange across professions.

Watch the recordings Aqui.