Summer Newsletter 2023
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Below, you will find a copy of the newsletter sent in summer 2023.
It is something that happens to us continuously, whether after speaking in front of 300 people at Architects at Work Barcelona or in a small municipal auditorium in the heart of the Pyrenees, always, without exception, someone approaches us at the end and asks the same question:
What can I do?
They are architects, builders, interior designers, students who have just finished their studies, or professionals who have been working for several years without feeling fulfilled. All of them share beautiful stories with a common denominator: they want to start their own fight.
At some point, they acquired an ecological, social, global awareness that pushes them to act, but they do not know where to start. The problem is so vast that it overwhelms them, and they feel alone because interest or support in their environment is limited.
They come to us seeking guidance that allows them to understand how to get involved in action against the multiple crises our generation faces, how to move from eco-anxiety to action, how to fight from architecture to build a better world.
Indeed, if you have ever had the opportunity to read beyond the headlines and delve deeply into the severity of the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises we face, you will have realized that we are living through a crucial moment in human history. Never before has the future of so many people been in the hands of a single generation, those of us living in the 21st century, consuming resources and causing irreparable damage to our planet.
This is a struggle we can wage from architecture, but also from every aspect of our lives, and it must necessarily involve three essential steps: awareness and commitment, verified information, and joint action.
1. COMMITMENT
Albert Einstein said that one of life’s greatest pleasures is working for a cause one believes to be good and that transcends oneself.
The moment we become aware of the problem we face and decide to take action, we must necessarily acquire a vital commitment, thinking about the common good and putting it into practice in our work, architecture, but also in our daily lives with perseverance and tenacity, knowing that we are not perfect, that contradictions must be accepted, but that the important thing is to move forward with a medium and long-term perspective.
A few “eco-enthusiasts” building radically with natural materials and a negative ecological footprint are not enough; we need millions of conscious individuals striving for minimum-impact construction.
2. INFORMATION
To fight for a cause, we must know it well and have strong arguments to defend it against any attack.
Obtaining verified information from reliable sources to understand the magnitude and complexity of the crisis we face involves reading, informing ourselves, researching, contacting suppliers, watching conferences or talks, and questioning every decision we make from the perspective of sustainability and zero impact.
3. TAKING ACTION
Taking action begins by finding a network of like-minded people who are already involved or wish to initiate an active struggle.
We are focused on the fight for minimum-impact architecture and the decarbonization of construction, but there are numerous causes in the sector for which to take action.
Fighting collectively is essential to amplify our voice and reach higher, where decisions are made, so that we can influence the regulation of a wild market that prioritizes economic profit over the health of people and the environment.
There are numerous historical examples where the organized action of people fighting for just causes managed to change laws and regulations on issues that seemed immovable, from slavery and endless working hours to women’s rights or construction-related issues such as the prohibition of lead or asbestos, highly toxic and carcinogenic materials.
We encourage you to seek out groups that interest you, action groups where you can raise your voice and initiate an active and urgent fight for life on this planet.
Do not miss our latest articles in the Research section.
Do not forget to visit our latest projects on the Architecture page.
Finally, we remind you that we produce a video summary of all our research articles, which you can find on Instagram and also on our YOUTUBE channel, where you can also find our latest presentations.
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We are a team of people who share an interest in building and living in healthy and efficient spaces in harmony with the planet.
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Click the link to read our latest summer newsletter, featuring a summary of the most prominent articles and projects from recent months.
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