Generation P(ost-fossil)

Abstract

In contrast to the charming, unconventional \“tree hugging” decades ago, the evidence of climate change and the peak of fossil resources presents bioclimatic building design no longer as an option, but an international, intergenerational obligation. The co-authors, Ellett and Despang, with their research and teaching platform at the College of Architecture in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA (http://archweb.unl.edu) and practice base in Hannover, Germany (Despang Architekten, www.despangarchitekten.de), will present by means of their own recently completed academic and professional design projects, how two generations of younger \“late fossil-age” architects try to avoid the failures of a solely technologically approach of the past, and begin to balance the thin line of archi-/eco-friendliness in their approach to designing an environment for the coming first truly post-fossil generation, distinguishing them as Generation P(ost-fossil). The academic case study considers post-fossil urban dwelling in the American Mid-West, and the built practice example explores a passive house/no emissions philosophy towards a kindergarten in Germany. The paper presentation will explore the trial and error evolution of challenges, and great potential in viewing a post-fossil future as a generative design inspiration. The audience will be encouraged by the case studies to consider the progressive balance of eco- and archi-friendiness.