For a more sustainable and fairer world

You were appointed to the post of Professor of Architecture and Housing this summer. What’s at the top of your priority list?
People want to know how architecture can help make the world a fairer and more sustainable place as we struggle with resource scarcity and the ongoing destruction of multiple ecosystems. My priority is to answer that question by looking at specific issues in collaboration with other institutes and professorial chairs at ETH.

You’ve been running your own architecture firm for over a decade. What effect will this professorship have on your work?
The way we practice our profession is often influenced by factors in government and the construction industry. In this era of climate change and social upheaval, we need to be asking what kind of buildings we should be designing. In addressing this question, I think there is huge potential to explore and tackle the contradictions that arise in our day-to-day work.

You also focus on reusing buildings after they have been renovated or stripped back to the shell. Do you see much of that kind of recycling in practice?
I’ve long been an advocate of conserving and reusing existing buildings; not just for reasons of sustainability, but also to preserve the history and identity of a place. Unfortunately, however, the reality is that there are still many obstacles to recycling building materials and preserving existing structures.

How does one become a successful architect?
It’s important to be aware of the responsibilities you have when you intervene in the living environment, because most interventions end up impacting the environment for many generations to come. A good architect needs perseverance, a sharp mind and the ability to apply connected and creative thinking on many levels; only then can you examine key issues afresh.

Which era in the history of architecture interests you most?
Every era is shaped by economic, social and technological forces, and we see those reflected in its architecture. In that sense, my interest is in the “now”. We’re living at a time when long-established patterns of thought and behaviour are being turned upside down. That creates a lot of uncertainty, but also lots of opportunities to shape what comes next.