Change Agents Panel

As Manuel DeLanda argues, “cities are not static objects but dynamic processes.” Urban environments continuously evolve through interactions between ecological systems, infrastructures, technologies, governance, mobility, and everyday life. In parallel, Bruno Latour reminds us that “change is never purely technical, it is always cultural and political,” emphasizing that climate adaptation and urban transformation cannot be solved through technology alone.

At the same time, Rem Koolhaas calls on architectural education to remain “deeply rooted in the realities of its time while imagining futures beyond it.” In an era defined by climate change, rapid urbanization, and accelerating technological transformation, architecture can no longer be understood as the production of isolated objects. Instead, it must engage the city as an interconnected urban ecosystem shaped by both human and non-human actors across scales. This requires new forms of collaboration, new ways of imagining collective futures, and new approaches to architectural education.

This panel brings together perspectives from architecture, urbanism, landscape, and theory to discuss how spatial design can move beyond problem-solving toward actively shaping adaptive, resilient, and inclusive urban futures. The discussion approaches architecture not only as form-making, but as a cultural, ecological, and political act capable of influencing behaviors, systems, and collective imaginaries.

Guiding Question

How can architecture act as a change agent for urban climates?

Panelists

• Dr. Oswald Jenewein, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas

• Florian Lorenz, Studio LAUT, Vienna

• Paul Treichl, Feral Worlding, London

• Ian Gillis, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck

• Vasileios Chanis, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne

• Mathieu Wellner, Technische Universität München, Munich

Date & Place

May 7, 2026, 6:30 PM, Die Bäckerei – Kulturbackstube

Event

More than 80 students, faculty members, guests, and panelists gathered at Die Bäckerei – Kulturbackstube in Innsbruck to conclude the 2026 semester of the Alpinestudio Global Campus program. Following the final reviews and exhibitions of Design Studio: Superblock. Superspace., Future Cities, and Adaptive Typologies, the evening panel created a platform for reflection on architecture’s role in shaping resilient urban futures in an era of climate transformation.

The discussion focused on architecture not only as the design of buildings, but as an active cultural and ecological practice capable of influencing systems, behaviors, and collective imaginaries. As Mathieu Wellner from Technische Universität München pointed out during the discussion, architects should not obsess over finding one “perfect” solution. Instead, the real challenge is to develop several strong and responsible options. If all five options are genuinely good, thoughtful, and climate-conscious, chances are clients will choose a good direction. The conversation framed architecture less as delivering fixed answers and more as opening up meaningful possibilities for better urban futures. The discussion highlighted architecture’s role not only as form-making, but as a process of guiding decision-making and shaping future possibilities for more resilient urban environments.

The panel also addressed the role of education in motivating the next generation of architects and urban thinkers. Alpinestudio Program Director Oswald Jenewein emphasized that purpose is one of the strongest motivations for students and young professionals. He encouraged students to find meaning in their work and to approach architecture as a discipline capable of contributing to climate adaptation, ecological thinking, and societal transformation. He stressed that the next generation of architects will play a critical role in preparing the built environment for the climate challenges cities are facing around the world.

The event concluded the 2026 semester theme of the Alpinestudio courses and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and spatial imagination in shaping adaptive and resilient futures across scales.