The Wisdom of Tradition: Culture as the Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Architecture

This session marks the launch of the book Wisdom of Tradition: A Cultural Approach to Sustainable Architecture.

Featuring interviews with outstanding global figures and contributions from different parts of the world, it opens a collective reflection on the role of culture in reshaping contemporary understandings of sustainability in architecture. With several contributors to the book taking part, the roundtable explores how traditional knowledge, lived practices, and cultural continuity can inform responses to climate urgency. Moving beyond a purely technical understanding of sustainability, it highlights culture as a driving force in shaping more resilient, equitable, and meaningful architectural futures.

Emna Bchir & Carlos Zeballos Moderators