Reporting From the Front: Sustainability vs. Security

Public panel discussion to coincide with the conclusion of Biennale Architettura 2016

  • 1 / 5

    Reporting from the Front: Sustainability vs. Security - the panel will discuss how growing security concerns will add complexity to the challenges to which architecture must respond.

  • 2 / 5

    “The construction industry needs to engage with the growing demand for sustainable construction; and have the knowledge and the tools to live up to it” - Alejandro Aravena, Curator of the 15th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia and Member of the Board of the LafargeHolcim Foundation.

  • 3 / 5

    Prototype Droneport Shell – 15th International Architecture Biennale, Venice, Italy

    Jonathan Ledgard, Director, Afrotech & Future Africa, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL). The concept branded as “Redline”, was incubated within EPFL Lausanne under his leadership. “Redline’s” intention is to build three “Droneports” as proof of concept on land offered by the Rwandan Government on long-term leases.

  • 4 / 5

    Feature interview – Post-War Collective: Community library and social recuperation, Ambepussa, Sri Lanka

    “Building has much to do with processes” – Milinda Pathiraja, Sri Lanka

  • 5 / 5

    “How can a sustainable future for populations plagued by war and violence be ensured?” – Robert Mardini, Regional Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Near & Middle East.

In collaboration with the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction, Chilean architect and curator of the 15th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2016, Alejandro Aravena, invited leading thinkers to join a debate on sustainability and security that will coincide with the final week of the Architecture Biennale. The panel discussion “Reporting From the Front: Sustainability vs. Security” will examine themes that have emerged at “Reporting From the Front”, and examine them through the perspective of “real life reports” discussed by key professionals in the forefront of architecture and sustainability.

Last updated: November 16, 2016 Venice, Italy

In collaboration with the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction, Chilean architect and curator of the 15th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2016, Alejandro Aravena, invited leading thinkers to join a debate on sustainability and security that will coincide with the final week of the Architecture Biennale. The panel discussion “Reporting From the Front: Sustainability vs. Security” will examine themes that have emerged at “Reporting From the Front”, and examine them through the perspective of “real life reports” discussed by key professionals in the forefront of architecture and sustainability.

The panel will address the complexity and variety of challenges to which architecture must respond when faced with the impact of growing security concerns. Specifically, it will respond to concerns pertaining to the global supply chain and international flows of construction material, as well as the devastating effects of wars on livelihoods and the built environment.

Alejandro Aravena will reflect on his experience curating the Biennale Architettura 2016 as the basis of an investigation into how the issue of security might impact the future of architecture as a discipline.

Jonathan Ledgard, a longtime foreign correspondent for the Economist and Director of the Future Africa Initiative at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), currently leads a team to develop and build the first Droneports in Africa, deploying flying robots to deliver supplies in regions lacking adequate transportation infrastructure. Based on his experience, he will assess the benefits, risks, and challenges of using a technology originally developed for warfare for humanitarian purposes.

Milinda Pathiraja, co-founder of Robust Architecture Workshop, will explain how military know-how can be re-oriented to positively impact the cause of sustainability. His project of a library on a military campus in Sri Lanka was a global Holcim Awards prize-winner. Building it provided soldiers with new skill sets to transform them into an army of builders for the benefit of their communities.

Robert Mardini, engineer and regional Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), leads humanitarian operations across the Middle East to assist people affected by war. His work is focused on finding ways in which people can be protected in fragile and conflict affected environments, and ensuring steps are taken to ensure a sustainable future for populations plagued by war and violence.

Arsenale-GoogleMapPreview.jpgThe panel, moderated by Rolf Soiron, chairman of the Holcim Foundation and Member of the ICRC, is composed of researchers and practitioners working on the front line of sustainability and security.

The public discussion, Reporting From the Front: Sustainability vs. Security, takes place on Friday, November 25, 17:00 at La Biennale di Venezia, Teatro Piccolo Arsenale, adjacent to the main entrance of the Arsenale exhibition area. Entry is free and the panel discussion will be followed by drinks.  

Notes to editors:

About the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

Created in 2003, the Holcim Foundation raises awareness of the important role that architecture, engineering, urban planning and construction have in achieving a more sustainable future. The Foundation is supported by Holcim, the world leader in the building materials industry, but remains independent of commercial interests. The international Holcim Awards is the most significant global competition for sustainable design and recognizes projects that combine sustainable construction solutions with architectural excellence and enhanced quality of life beyond technical solutions.