The world’s major cities have a lot going for them. But these opportunities come at a price — beyond the vibrant community and exciting experiences these places offer, they are in many ways unable to keep up with their own exponential growth, resulting in crowded streets as well as increasingly tight and unaffordable housing. Our homes have never been smaller, yet they’ve also never been as expensive — a paradox that defines the way we’re living through this period of intense urbanisation.
What makes matters worse is that many large cities are also highly polluted due to the sheer volume of construction, industrial production and road traffic, making them space-poor, expensive and unhealthy to live in. Ironically, those responsible for most of the world’s pollution, profiting off fossil fuels, land development and industrial production, are rarely those who suffer its consequences on a daily basis.
So, where does that leave architects and designers? In the built environment, the issues of sustainability and affordability are tricky to navigate but important to consider. Making the switch to more sustainable building materials and honing in on the creation of affordable housing and holistic community spaces should be prioritised across the board. Construction and development need to be minimised, with a greater emphasis on refurbishment and reuse of structures that are already in place.
These considerations came up at a series of panel discussions on 14 February 2023, when some of the world’s leading designers and architects convened in Bangkok. Organised by American Standard, the Design Catalyst conference asked how we can create healthy, liveable spaces for everyone in the context of highly urbanised cities plagued by climate change.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 128-utgaven av d+a.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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the natural balance
Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.
inspiring creativity and exploration
The new Hafary House at Lavender reflects the brand’s vibrancy and innovation, as well as provide an inspiring and engaging space for customers.
balancing act: nature and humanity
In this inspiration-led series, we asked Jay Liu and Alex Liu, co-founders of Right Angle Studio, to dream up a unique interior concept using mainly items from Space Furniture.
rethinking, remaking, reframing
Aoki Akio, the founder of DESIGNART TOKYO discusses the importance and legacy of Tokyo's eminent art and design event, particularly for young creatives.
rebuilding communities
Shift2024, the much-anticipated conference returns with a stellar line-up of prolific architects making their mark in Asian urban design.
unparalleled italian craftsmanship
Filippo Arnaboldi, Chief Executive Officer of Frette, tells us how this luxury lifestyle Italian brand is moving forward with times yet not forgetting about its existing legacy.
where the mountain meets the sea
This bespoke hillside residence features modern design elements, natural touches, and panoramic ocean views.
tailored for the curious explorer
The new Alma House at the New Bahru enclave reflects the collaborative spirit of a school environment.
tranquil sanctuary
The recently launched Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, designed by Kengo Kuma, fuses traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance.
lightness perfected
Apple's first store in Malaysia combines architecture, interiors and hardscape into a floating edifice of precision engineering.