Abstract

Up to now, ecology has a strong influence on the development of technical and instrumental aspects of architecture, such as renewable and efficient of resources and energy, CO2 emissions, air quality, water reuse, some social and economical aspects. These concepts define the physical keys and codes of the current ׳sustainable׳ architecture, normally instrumental but rarely and insufficiently theorised. But is not there another way of bringing us to nature? We need a theoretical referent. This is where we place the Van der Laan׳s thoughts: he considers that art completes nature and he builds his theoretical discourse on it, trying to better understand many aspects of architecture. From a conceptual point of view, we find in his works sense of timelessness, universality, special attention on the ׳locus׳ and a strict sense of proportions and use of materials according to nature. Could these concepts complement our current sustainable architecture? How did Laan apply the current codes of ecology in his architecture? His work may help us to get a theoretical interpretation of nature and not only physical. This paper develops this idea through the comparison of thoughts and works of Laan with the current technical approach to ׳sustainable׳ architecture.

Abstract

The unprecedented rate of species extinction is accelerating. In a world where over half of the GDP depends on nature, it's no wonder that The World Economic Forum identifies biodiversity loss as one of the primary economic risks. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes the objective for governments to promote the necessary policies for large multinational companies and financial institutions to measure and disclose their risks, impacts, and dependencies on nature in their operations and value chains. Europe is already experiencing this shift, and the new regulations will mark a significant change in how businesses manage their relationship with nature.

Abstract