“Above all, it takes courage and curiosity” – An interview with Pia Rebekka Alge
We are happy to share the following interview with Pia. What a pleasure to see that our impulse at the University of Liechtenstein in...
top of page
Integral Way of Living
An innovative initiative
to research and
prototype regenerative communities.
Our vision is to restore and increase the social, economic, and ecological value of the local ecosystem through the creation of self-sufficient and resilient communities.
It matters how we design our living spaces.
Integral Way of living aims to prototype a living configuration that embodies sustainable, resource-saving, and climate-positive ways of living. Furthermore, we envision these communities to function as a site to showcase the production and circular management of food, energy, water, and waste.
Project Phases
1 | Research Studio with University of Liechtenstein
In collaboration with the University of Liechtenstein and local architect "Vogtarchitekten", a research studio was established.
17 students took the challenge and used the opportunity offered by the research studio to generate regenerative prototype designs for the 3000 m² piece of land (Parzelle: 1141 & 1530, Schalunstrasse, Vaduz).
Through a series of lectures, workshops, and design charrettes, the research studio sought to develop solutions that could be applied to the Liechtenstein context.
2022
2 | Feasibility Study & Awareness Campaign
We are currently in phase 2. We launched an awareness campaign on the topic of "integral way of living", as well as a study to examine the feasibility of sustainable settlement development, in particular with regard to the applicable building laws and building regulations and other regulations, in cooperation with the municipality of Vaduz. As part of our awareness campaign we have launched an online survey to show our municipalities where and whether there is interest in alternative, more sustainable forms of housing among the Liechtenstein population and the surrounding area.
2023-2024
3 | ...
... to be announced.
2024
Challenges in the current housing sector.
To ensure climate-friendly ways of living, this project will address the following challenges.
Overconsumption
According to the European Environmental agency and World Resource institute, the housing sector is highly inefficient due to poor energy efficiency, excessive carbon emissions, excessive waste, unsustainable design, and inadequate insulation. This leads to high energy bills, environmental burdens, and wasted energy.
Environmental degradation
According to the United Nations Environment Program, the construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global warming, accounting for approximately 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels used in the manufacturing process, such as oil and gas, and the use of cement.
Loneliness
The loneliness epidemic is a serious public health crisis that is closely connected to housing. Poor housing conditions, homelessness, and overcrowding can all contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can have serious consequences for individuals’ health and wellbeing.
Linearity
Based on a linear model, the building sector embodies a “make, use and dump” mentality.
This is the belief that it is cheaper and easier to simply demolish and rebuild homes every few years rather than to repair and maintain them.
Affordability
The unaffordability of housing in European countries is a major issue that needs to be addressed. In many countries, the cost of housing has risen faster than wages, meaning that those on low or average incomes are unable to afford suitable housing.
By addressing these challenges, this project seeks to create resilient, sustainable & affordable neighbourhoods hence unlocking the true potential of our living spaces for the future.
Potential
Sufficiency
Local food, energy, water, and waste management can enable sufficiency in the community.
Affordability
By designing a built environment that focuses on affordability by design, utilizing resource-efficient and sustainable materials, adopting circular ways of construction, shared ways of living and ownership, and leveraging technology to automate processes can minimize costs. Thus, making housing more affordable.
Regeneration of the Environment
By designing architecture using regenerative design principles and life cycle thinking, we can meet the demand for increasing housing without depleting the earth’s resources.
Community
Communal housing concepts increase overall well-being and reduce anxiety and loneliness, create spaces that encourage social interaction and connection, provide opportunities for people to engage in meaningful activities together, and promote a sense of belonging and ownership among community members.
Circularity
Circular design principles focus on the use of closed-loop systems to minimize waste and create circular economies. These principles can create a sustainable and resilient model of housing that reduces the environmental impact of our homes while providing a healthier living environment for its residents.
Neuigkeiten
bottom of page