IN-PERSON: Prague – Section B
Abstract
The impacts of climate change are now becoming clear to all and the built environment has a high level of involvement both as a causative factor (through use of fossil fuels) and as a casualty of those impacts in terms of changing weather (and particulalrly extreme weather). Architects, planners and other involved in the building design and construction process have a multitude of sources of advice relating to changes to practice that are needed however this can often conflict with other advice when it concerns historic buildings. In addition, changes to design and practice needs not only to deal with contemporary climate but also future climate. This means that both the detail of the technologies and techniques that might be applied must match predicted future weather patterns, and that the modifications must be more forward looking and address concerns for historical preservation. The authors identify 3 modes of action: the first involves modest adjustments to match better to climate change and focused on systems to maintain comfort for occupants and preservation of the key historical elements; the second is a focus on historical preservation at all costs meaning the building becomes less habitable on a day-to-day basis; the third involves substantive modification or demolition and replacement with a better performing alternative but lacking any historical authenticity. An examination of design alternatives considers how these options might be considered and acted upon differently when comparing different cultural backgrounds and countries such as China and the UK and draws in issues of tangible and intangible heritage.
Adrian Pitts is Professor of Sustainable Architecture in the Department of Design and Built Environment at the University of Huddersfield. Adrian has taught in the field of environmental design and sustainability at three universities over a career spanning more than 30 years. He has also held visiting positions at several other university internationally and he is author of well in excess of 100 published research papers and four books. His research interests have involved practical/experimental research in real buildings/laboratory settings as well as simulated/theoretical studies.
Dr. Yun Gao works as an academic and an architect. She is a Reader in Architecture at the University of Huddersfield. Her academic research explores design of socially responsible and environmentally sustainable built environment, and traditional and cultural changes reflected in architectural and urban development in developing countries. She is author of more than 50 published research papers and three books. Yun has also been awarded research funding from a number of Research Council in the UK and in China. Yun has held a Visiting Professorship at the Yunnan Arts University in China since 2010.
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday 29th June, 2023