3rd Holcim Forum “Re-inventing Construction”

In the context of necessary economic, ecological, and social reorientations of the global community, construction needs to be re-invented and aligned with principles of sustainable development. Traditional approaches to the design, fabrication, and use of built structures have to undergo significant changes in order to address the needs of future generations. This transformation will no longer consist of isolated improvements but must be radically integrated – and encompass the entire life cycle of a built structure.

For three days 270 specialists from 39 countries—architects, urban planners, engineers, scholars, business and government representatives—met in workshops, lectures, and on guided tours to exchange and expand their views on the ways in which construction could be re-invented.

Stimulate stakeholders - With incentives to implementation

The workshop proposes the development of incentive-driven instruments or tools – such as norms, policies, or regulations – to entice players within the building industry (clients, users, developers, contractors, city officials, material suppliers, etc.) to implement sustainability sensitive methods of construction.

Mine the city - With logistics to circular metabolisms

The workshop centers on material stocks accumulated in the urban environment and the material fluxes associated with building construction. Taking the city as a reservoir of matter, waste streams, re-use, and recycling strategies need to be considered within the building sector in order to reduce the ecological footprint of construction.

Take on complexity - With integral solutions to an economy of means

The workshop proposes the development of incentive-driven instruments or tools – such as norms, policies, or regulations – to entice players within the building industry (clients, users, developers, contractors, city officials, material suppliers, etc.) to implement sustainability sensitive methods of construction.

Reduce CO2 - With technology to zero emissions

The workshop focuses on carbon-minimizing innovations in the domains of construction materials and energy technologies in view of their impact on built structures throughout their life cycle – from manufacturing, to construction, to maintenance.