Webinar | Sustainability day

Sustainability is no longer an option - it is an urgent necessity shaping the way architects and urban planners design for the future. As part of the Architecture Hunter Webinar Series, the second session, Sustainability Day, was presented by the Holcim Foundation, bringing together leading voices in architecture to discuss how buildings and cities can address environmental challenges while enhancing human experience.

The conversation brought fresh perspectives from Kjetil Thorsen (Founding Partner of Snøhetta), Gustavo Utrabo (Founder of Estúdio Gustavo Utrabo), and Kai-Uwe Bergmann (Partner at Bjarke Ingels Group). Each shared their approach to sustainability, drawing from projects that challenge conventional thinking and push architecture toward a regenerative future.

One of the key discussions was around the role of architects as catalysts for change. While technology and material innovations provide new possibilities, true sustainability demands a cultural shift - one that integrates ecological responsibility from the early stages of design.

Drawing from his experience in Brazil, Gustavo Utrabo reflected on the importance of local materials and participatory design. His work highlights how sustainability goes beyond material choices - it is about empowering communities, preserving knowledge, and fostering self-sufficiency. His brick-based projects, for example, don’t just repurpose waste but also create opportunities for local craftsmanship, transforming the building process into a tool for social impact.

Kjetil Thorsen emphasized that sustainable architecture should be measured beyond its technical performance - it should be accessible, adaptable, and capable of positively shaping human behavior. He pointed out that urban projects, like the Oslo Opera House, must invite public interaction, reinforcing the idea that sustainability is as much about people as it is about efficiency.

Kai-Uwe Bergmann discussed large-scale urban interventions, particularly flood resilience strategies such as the Big U in New York. Instead of approaching sustainability as a limitation, he advocated for solutions that serve multiple functions, transforming infrastructure into social and cultural assets. A flood barrier, for instance, should not just protect a city but also create public space, offering long-term benefits beyond its primary role.

Throughout the discussion, the Holcim Foundation’s commitment to sustainability was a central theme. The organization continues to drive architectural innovation through its awards program, which recognizes projects that balance environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic feasibility.

As Architecture Hunter continues to foster dialogue on the evolution of cities and buildings, this webinar reinforced a crucial message: sustainability is not just about reducing harm but about creating lasting value - for people, for places, and for the planet.

_article written by Daniela Moreira da Silva
_speaker 01:  Kjetil Thorsen of Snøhetta
_speaker 02:  Gustavo Utrabo of Estúdio Gustavo Utrabo
_speaker 03: Kai-uwe Bergmann of Bjarke Ingels Group