|

Is there an architecture of resistance that stands in the face of commercial globalisation, that rejects the iconic image, that celebrates the sprit of individual place? In the current economic climate, is there an architecture that naturally rejects commoditization and excess? Can architects, designers and engineers help sustain a sense of local identity, both in terms of cultural heritage and the conservation of the environment? How is human identity grounded in environment and architecture?

Sustaining Identity II will unite visionaries and practitioners from different generations, cultures and geographies - from Africa, South America, Europe, Asia and the Americas - to debate that the creation of enduring, uniquely localised, people-centred space is still possible and desirable. Leading international practitioners will use exemplary case study buildings to show how design can deliver a process of 'whole life sustainability' that places people and communities first. The term was coined last year in discussions with UNESCO, to define sustainability from a more humanistic perspective and looks at sustainability from a wider cultural perspective, incorporating local identity into the design process through an attempt to understand and celebrate the variety of human experience, the senses and memory.

Introduced by Juhani Pallasmaa with the participation of; UNESCO; Jane Da Mosto, Venice in Peril; Sean Godsell, Jonathan Kirschenfeld, Pezo von Ellrichshausen, Inaki Abalos, Charles Correa, Gawie Fagan and Arup Associates.

Moderated by Jonathan Glancey, Architecture Critic, The Guardian

 

Hosted by the RIBA Trust as part of the V&A+RIBA Architecture Partnership.