The 2026 theme, "Architecture Is Transformation," suggests a profound change: what transformation are we talking about specifically today? Is it about buildings, uses, or the economic models of real estate?The law of thermodynamics reminds us that no energy is created or lost; it only changes form. Today, we are called to transform an established system — one of an arrogant International Style guided solely by profit logic. Design processes, governance methods, and value systems are undergoing significant changes. "Architecture Is Transformation" is its clear expression: transformation occurs at all levels and scales. It ranges from reconfiguring territories, landscapes, and cities capable of absorbing and metabolizing past legacies to experimenting on a small scale with suspended lightweight structures made of wood and fibers, recycled glass and ceramics, or living walls composed of biopolymers. Laureates come from very different contexts (China, Vietnam, Mexico, Europe): what is the major common point in their approach to social and environmental challenges?Through the diversity of practices of our laureates, a constant remains: a deep, ethical, social, cultural, and political commitment. This position is not only aesthetic but programmatic — from the Bauhaus motto "less is more" to today's more pressing call: "better with less."&nbsp;Do regulatory pressure and low-carbon goals accelerate transformation or hinder innovation?Rules are necessary for society. But today, we are witnessing over-regulation in industrialized countries.Sustainable development should in no way become a privilege reserved for the wealthiest countries. Political and cultural awareness is key, supported by smart — and measured — laws. Over the past thirty years, exemplary regions in federal contexts, such as Vorarlberg or Baden-Württemberg, have shown how an ecological construction culture can anchor itself territorially... and serve as a reference.These contexts highlight what I call a "right-tech" approach: neither technophile excess — often prohibitively expensive — nor nostalgic regression. Vernacular innovation has never been about looking back but about mobilizing means tailored to location, climate, culture, and opportunities offered by local circular economies. In such frameworks, sustainability and renewed beauty arise from reengaging with archetypes, typologies, and practices deeply rooted in the materiality and history of places.&nbsp;What does the partnership with Saint-Gobain represent for you, renewed for the third consecutive year? Can the collaboration between industry and architectural research accelerate the ecological transition?It cannot only accelerate but must do so. At the Bauhaus, architects, craftsmen, designers, and industry worked together for architecture — and even a city — "accessible to all."The Bauhaus brought about three profound changes in less than a decade. First, an ecological thought of the city: densifying existing areas, combining uses, integrating the living as a space for meeting and movement. Then, a material revolution: inventing healthy materials accessible to all. Finally, a project of emancipation and inclusion: since 1919, women could study architecture for the first time, while cultures from around the world came together.These three principles — ecology, material innovation, inclusion — remain essential today. They notably underpin the research I conduct in our new research unit at the École Spéciale d'Architecture, focusing on "circularities": envisioning the city and architecture as a living, social, and innovative organism, driven by a keen awareness of economic circularity challenges.&nbsp;Given climate challenges, what are the currently most used sustainable materials?We must return to smart "right-tech" materials, designed and implemented with a very high quality requirement — and supported by modeling tools, robotization, and artificial intelligence. Bio- and geo-sourced materials from local resources: stone, ceramics, glass, wood, fibers, biopolymers — all potentially endlessly recyclable and long-standing in our millennia-old construction history. What will an "exemplary" sustainable real estate project look like in 2035, and what will be the new criteria for virtuous projects?The term "sustainability," stemming from 18th-century forestry — "not felling more trees than can grow back at the same time," according to Hans Carl von Carlowitz.Beyond "sustainable": it's about designing architecture that ages well, plain and simple. How can this be achieved? By integrating — even better, by actively involving — residents and users, listening, patiently mapping the visible and invisible resources of a place.Today, the paradigm shift is complete. Craftsmanship and industry are allies once again; the young generation of architects works in transdisciplinary teams, reinvents the existing with inventiveness, thinks about inclusion, and — an essential point — aims for true excellence in materiality and project.Because what ties us to architecture, what makes us want to preserve and pass it on, lies in deeper qualities: atmosphere, memory, simple beauty. These qualities will ultimately enable architecture to age well. In 2035, these qualities will be paramount worldwide.&nbsp;Since you created this award in 2006, what has surprised you the most in the evolution of sustainable architecture?What surprised me the most since creating the award in 2006 is the evolution of my students. At the beginning of each workshop or seminar, I always ask them the same question: "What kind of architect will you be? An adjective, please."In the 2000s, marked by the illusion of infinite growth, the answers were still: "unique," "famous," "influential." Today, they have changed. They answer me: "useful," "listening" — or simply "happy."&nbsp;Will the 2027 announced theme mark an even more social turning point?Oh yes, a theme both touching and urgent. After the essential transformation — rather than senseless waste — we are taking an additional step: for whom, essentially, do we design and build? The 2027 theme will be: Architecture Is Equity. <a href="https://globalawardforsustainablearchitecture.com/">Global Award for sustainable Architecture</a>

Sustainable architecture: towards a new way of living? - Interview with Jana Revedin

A Case Study to Follow: KELLER Diamant, Winterthur, SwitzerlandContext KELLER Druckmesstechnik AG faced two major challenges with its south-facing facade: excessive solar exposure leading to unwanted interior heating, particularly in summer, increasing the need for air conditioning, as well as high energy consumption of production machines. The architectural design of the building had to embody the company's values - precision and innovation - while ensuring a pleasant environment for employees. This balance between functionality and aesthetics was crucial for the project's success.Implementation of Solskin&nbsp;&nbsp;Solskin is integrated into the facade, creating a harmonious combination of smart shading and highly efficient solar energy production through sun tracking. This innovative and user-friendly solution combines corporate sustainability and design. With 3,500 movable modules covering 1,300 m², the Solskin facade dynamically adjusts its orientation to optimize solar energy production while ensuring effective shading, preserving natural light, and maintaining the building's aesthetic integrity. Mounted on an elegant facade mesh, the lightweight modules react in real-time to the environment, balancing energy efficiency, natural light control, and thermal comfort by interacting with their surroundings in a manner akin to natural systems.Developed over more than a decade at ETH Zurich, implemented by the Zurich Soft Robotics spin-off, and supported by the Swiss Climate Foundation, Solskin merges photovoltaic innovation, robotics, and sculptural design into an intelligent building envelope. Suited for facades, pergolas, balconies, and skylights, this system serves as both a shading device and a source of renewable energy, promoting health, comfort, and energy independence.Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and lightweight actuators, Solskin adapts in real-time to light, heat, and user needs. It reduces energy consumption by up to 80%, generates clean electricity, reduces the need for air conditioning, and ensures thermal comfort—even in extreme weather conditions.As climate pressure intensifies and cities strive for more resilience, architecture must evolve—and photovoltaic technologies are essential in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Buildings can no longer be inert boxes isolated from nature. They must interact, react, and contribute to the Global Climate Goals. This is architecture that learns, adapts, and thrives—just like the people and the planet it serves.Learn more about Solskin projects<a href="https://www.solskin.swiss/en/s-projects-basic"> https://www.solskin.swiss/en/s-projects-basic</a>

An Architecture that Evolves with the Climate

Created in 1990 in the United Kingdom, the BREEAM certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is international and is now used in 89 countries worldwide to promote sustainable real estate projects. It is applicable to a wide range of buildings, whether residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or healthcare.WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?The certification evaluates the environmental performance of a building taking into account many criteria, such as energy performance, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, indoor air quality, use of sustainable materials in construction, and waste management. The landscape and green spaces around a building, the use of innovative processes, and transportation are also factors taken into consideration.These performance indicators allow for a precise measurement of the sustainability of a construction project and its impact on the environment.To obtain BREEAM certification, an audit by experts will assess the new building by measuring ten factors, including:Energy: Lighting systems, heating, ventilation, electrical appliances, and IT equipment will be analyzed to assess the building's energy consumption. Potential sources for improving energy efficiency may also be identified through consumption data.Water: Plumbing systems, rainwater harvesting devices, and wastewater management will be used to evaluate water use in the building.Construction materials: The sources of materials used and their lifespan, as well as construction waste management and recycling. Their reuse establishes the building's sustainability.Greenhouse gas emissions: Or the management of building pollution sources. Examination of emissions related to building activities, occupant travel, and energy consumption are considered.Occupant health and well-being: Outdoor and indoor air quality are analyzed through ventilation systems, products used in construction and furnishing, as well as indoor air quality monitoring measures. The importance of acoustic insulation to reduce external noise and respect the comfort of residents is noted.The landscape and ecosystem around the building: this evaluates the ecological impacts of the site on its environment. Green space management, biodiversity, waste recycling, and climate change adaptation measures are taken into account here.Another criterion for eco-responsible and certified housing is access to sustainable transport around the site.WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?By promoting the design and construction of buildings that are more respectful of the planet, BREEAM certification helps reduce the ecological footprint of real estate projects by offering solutions to reduce energy consumption. These measures not only have a positive impact on the environment but also significantly reduce the energy bills of the inhabitants of these homes.By considering factors such as indoor air quality, green spaces, or natural light, certified buildings offer a more pleasant and healthier environment, influencing the well-being of their occupants who then benefit from high-quality housing. These homes will enjoy better financial valuation, being more attractive on the market for both sale and rental in the short and medium term.In addition, BREEAM certification complies with local and national environmental regulations in force, promoting a long-term vision for tenants and sustainable real estate investment for owners.It guarantees the commitment of real estate developers to environmental protection, as well as compliance with international environmental performance standards. More than 600,000 buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or healthcare) have been certified in over 89 countries with an expected annual growth of around 15%.

All about BREEAM certification

1 - WHAT IS IT?&nbsp;The RE 2020 is a regulation aimed at significantly reducing energy consumption by imposing strict standards on insulation, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. It reduces their climate impact by taking into account greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life cycle of buildings.&nbsp;The RE 2020 promotes innovation by integrating at least one renewable energy source in construction and the use of sustainable building materials. This regulation improves the living comfort of occupants through enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation and by making homes more pleasant to live in during summers by adapting them to future climatic conditions through better thermal comfort design.&nbsp;In fact, the RE 2020 (Environmental Regulation 2020) replaces the RT 2012 (Thermal Regulation 2012) and complies with the Energy Transition for Green Growth Law (LTECV 2015) and the Housing Evolution and Digital Law (ELAN 2018), contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against climate change.&nbsp;2- SINCE WHEN?&nbsp;As of January 1, 2022, the RE 2020 applies to the construction of buildings and parts of buildings like extensions, for residential use, which are subject to a building permit application or a prior declaration of work. Thus, in 2024, the RE 2020 is in force and mandatory for all new buildings.&nbsp;3- CONCRETELY?&nbsp;The RE 2020 generalizes positive energy buildings (BEPOS) and passive energy buildings (BEPAS). It introduces the concept of life cycle analysis of materials (LCA), favoring the use of biosourced and low-emission materials such as wood for construction, in order to minimize energy consumption. The RE 2020 is a new standard aiming to build positive energy homes (producing more energy than they consume) and passive houses (spending very little energy and recycling what they produce).&nbsp;The passive housing&nbsp;A Passive Energy Building, BEPAS, is a building that meets minimal energy consumption requirements and has enhanced airtightness with reinforced thermal insulation. The RE 2020 mandates the construction of passive buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. As a result, the housing's energy consumption per square meter is very low, even zero, and fully offset by solar or geothermal gains.&nbsp;The priority is to reduce thermal losses. To achieve this, the heating consumption must be less than 15 kWh/m² per year (for renovations, it goes up to 25 kWh/m² per year), and the total energy consumption must be less than 120 kWh/m². The Passive Energy Building relies primarily on excellent insulation of walls, such as walls, roof, and floor. Its airtightness is optimal.&nbsp;It should be noted that the BEPAS label certifies high energy performance for a housing unit, drastically reducing the heating and cooling bills for residents.&nbsp;The positive energy housing&nbsp;Also known as BEPOS, a Positive Energy Building must generate more energy than it consumes and strive for energy independence.&nbsp;To achieve this, the heating consumption must be less than 12 kWh/m² per year, and the primary energy consumption must be less than 100 kWh/m². The housing unit must be able to produce energy so that its energy balance is positive (heating, lighting, hot water, heat / cool recovery, and electrical appliances).&nbsp;Solar panels, a solar power plant, a wind turbine, or any other system that can produce excess energy can be used to build a Positive Energy Building.&nbsp;It should be noted that the surplus electricity can either be stored or sold to the EDF power grid at the prevailing purchase price.&nbsp;The RE 2020 regulation evolves the construction standards of new buildings by promoting energy sobriety and efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of new buildings while improving the comfort of residents.&nbsp;4- WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?&nbsp;The RE 2020 regulation updates the construction standards of new buildings. Renewable energy production must at least meet the building's needs to make it self-sufficient, or even exceed these needs.&nbsp;To reduce primary energy consumption in housing, excellent insulation of walls combined with better choice of materials will also improve residents' quality of life.&nbsp;To make housing energy-producing, it is necessary to optimize the home's free energy sources, such as the sun. To build a positive energy house, photovoltaic panels or a wind turbine can be used to generate electricity. Wood heating, solar heating, heat pumps, and geothermal energy for heating, solar water heaters for hot water. Finally, for water, rainwater recovery, water treatment, and water softeners.&nbsp;5- THE ADVANTAGE FOR ME?&nbsp;With the implementation of RE2020, we, as individuals and citizens, are sensitized to consume less energy. Indeed, technological advancements that reduce the consumption of our equipment are not enough to reach zero energy waste. Acquiring an apartment or a house subject to the RE 2020 regulation is a responsible, comfortable, and profitable choice.&nbsp;Profitable because there is an effective reduction in primary energy bills, possibly even excess when energy is produced and sold back.&nbsp;First-time homebuyers can also benefit from the Zero Rate Loan (PTZ), which can finance up to 40% of the property amount with an interest-free loan. The PTZ is subject to two criteria: household income and the geographical situation of the property.&nbsp;Reduced notary fees, between 2 and 3% of the acquisition price.&nbsp;Furthermore, if the energy effort was previously mainly borne by the new real estate sector, the old sector is expected to be directly involved very soon. It should be noted that properties classified as F in the energy performance diagnosis will no longer be available for rent from 2025. This directly impacts landlords of rental properties.&nbsp;At the same time, we all stand to benefit from the decarbonization of buildings, particularly in terms of health, reducing energy bills, and saving costs in the system.&nbsp;

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