Architecture revalued. Baukultur and the culture of Transition

Abstract

The notion of Baukultur marked a fundamental step towards a comprehensive definition of the built environment. The idea that landscape, architectural heritage, and all the existing built context could converge to portray the richness and complexity of our habitat now points to a collective and strategic approach to design. In this perspective, the value of architecture arises essentially as a tool to convey the emerging culture of Transition within the existing Baukulturen. Architecture revalued structures a theoretical framework around these concepts leaning on the research, design, and pedagogical experiences of six architectural and urban design practices/academics, as specific readings and valorization of the existing built environment. Three essays articulate the ongoing debate, and a manifesto enunciates the basics of a common discourse on Baukultur and the socio-ecological Transition.