Unit brief
“Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we've been ignorant of their value.”
R. Buckminster Fuller
In the current era of the Anthropocene, it is imperative to urgently address the environmental impact and energy consumption associated with building construction. Unit04 reconsiders the conventional use of materials and resources, as well as the tools of first-person design, manufacturing, testing, simulation and spatial experiences explored via moving images, in favour of an architectural approach that contributes more to the environment than it detracts from it.
To realise this ambitious goal, we are actively focusing on the 10 Climate Emergency Design Themes with the objective of aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our efforts specifically target areas such as biodiversity, blue infrastructure, passive design, energy production, carbon emissions, health and well-being, material usage and aesthetic value. This is being pursued through the application of a wide range of digital design, assessment, simulation, engineered timber manufacturing and production techniques.
Unit 04 continues the exploration of the integration of concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, 3D scanning, reuse, off-site manufacturing, bespoke design and customisation. These are complemented by immersive media and first-person design in virtual reality (VR), facilitating a seamless transition between the analogue and digital realms, the real and virtual worlds, and between narrative and lived experience.
We are working on two main design projects for the year complemented by smaller design studies.
In the autumn semester, we are working on an urban landscape and small public design interventions in the UNESCO World Heritage area of Val di Noto in Southeastern Sicily on the invitation of the mayor of the town Scicli.
In the spring semester we are working on the design of the new design and architecture museum in Helsinki, Finland based on the on-going open two stage competition.
Unit04 pursues ecological architecture at the intersection between building and landscape, architecture and experience.
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