beyond.aco | 2 March 2021

Retrospective of the first virtual event of the new series beyond.aco with lectures by Peter Rich (PETER RICH ARCHITECTS – Johannesburg, South Africa) and Kunlé Adeyemi (NLÉ – Lagos, Nigeria/Amsterdam, Netherlands), among others, Livestream: March 2, 2021, 12 pm | Rerun March 3, 2021, 7 pm

The first edition of the new virtual series “beyond.aco” by AIT-Dialog and ACO was a great success: around 1,800 registrations from 60 countries confirmed that the initiators have developed a contemporary and relevant format in terms of the topic, the top-class speakers and an exciting and authentic dialog. On two consecutive days, the audience from near and far was able to follow the presentations in six languages and actively participate in the discussion.

The new series, created by AIT-Dialog and organized together with ACO, focuses on responsible architecture in times of global transformation and changing conditions as well as climatic challenges. After the premiere, renowned architects from seven continents – Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica – will discuss various topics with each other several times a year under the motto “architecture across continents” and shed light on the topic from ecological, social, societal and economic perspectives.

The focus is on innovative, experimental and sustainable building projects that respond to the consequences of change on a global and local level, as well as to extreme local conditions, emphasizing the responsible use of resources and incorporating local building techniques and materials. The task of contemporary architecture, urban planning, and the built environment in urban and rural areas is to respond flexibly to changing demands, both from users and in relation to their environment, and to open up new uses by transforming them beyond their original function.

In the first edition, Peter Rich (PETER RICH ARCHITECTS – Johannesburg, South Africa) and Kunlé Adeyemi (NLÉ – Lagos, Nigeria/Amsterdam, Netherlands) explained what responsible planning of tomorrow’s architecture and city looks like, which breaks new ground beyond standards and norms as well as common building techniques and materials. The focus was on buildings that do “more” beyond an aesthetic demand and functional criteria, integrate expandable functional possibilities, refer to and fit into their context in the sense of Responsive Architecture, are adapted to social and climatic conditions, and are built under fair working conditions and with a social responsibility. After the two lectures, the participants went to faraway Australia – despite the time difference, the project Mindeerup Piazza, AU-Perth by PLACE Laboratory was presented. In on-site discussions, architects, builders and representatives from ACO shed light on the project.

The event series will continue on 10 June 2021 with contributions from Simón Vélez, COL-Bogota and Marina Tabassum, BGD-Dhaka.

In cooperation with: