Focus on climate protection: HafenCity University provides sustainable impulses!

Focus on climate protection: HafenCity University provides sustainable impulses!

This year's Dies Academicus took place on June 26, 2025 at HafenCity University in Hamburg. The event, which brought together students, employees, professors and guests, placed a clear focus on the topic of “Climate Impulses”. Numerous aspects of sustainability and circular building were discussed in workshops, guided tours, discussions and exhibitions. The central topics included greening campuses and buildings, sustainable practices in university catering and innovative building materials such as those made from mycelium.

A highlight of the day was the keynote speech by Frank Böttcher, an expert in extreme weather. He presented the current status of research on global warming and highlighted the requirements for architecture in times of climate change. The event concluded in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks, barbecue food and conversations on the Elbe terrace, which promoted a sense of community among the participants. The anticipation for Dies Academicus 2026 was already expressed in an outlook.

Circular building as a solution approach

Developments in the construction industry are crucial in order to meet current requirements in terms of sustainability and resource conservation. Germany faces the challenge of building quickly, cheaply and sustainably. Circular construction, which works according to the modular principle, could represent an important solution here. The EU’s “Green Deal” promotes the circular economy, but the construction industry is currently still a long way from achieving this goal.

The construction sector consumes around half of all raw materials worldwide and causes high CO2 emissions. Current regulations are designed for a linear construction industry and do not take into account the multiple use of building materials. A practical example: An empty mustard jar can be used again for filling, serve as a drinking glass or be recycled.

The dismantling and reuse processes are often complicated by outdated regulations. A fire protection door that has been professionally removed, for example, often loses its approval and can only be used as a normal door. The reuse and flexibility of building elements, as once found in half-timbered houses, could be revitalized through innovative approaches.

Architecture in the age of climate change

Climate change has profound effects on architecture. Architects are required to reconcile aesthetic demands with changing climatic conditions. The importance of sustainability in architecture is constantly growing. Innovative materials are being developed to meet the challenges of climate change. The focus is on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies.

An essential element of modern urban planning is the integration of natural elements into buildings. Plants and water areas are increasingly being considered to promote user well-being and support biodiversity. For sustainable construction projects, interdisciplinary approaches between architects, urban planners and engineers are necessary.

Architecture is intended to increase the quality of life in urban areas. At the same time, the design of public spaces must promote social interactions and minimize the risk of urban heat islands. Technologies such as building information modeling, drones and virtual reality are increasingly being used to revolutionize planning and inspection and ensure optimal use of natural resources.

Overall, in the wake of climate change, architecture is required to adapt and develop innovative approaches in order to meet the challenges of our time. A pioneering example of this are passive houses, which make optimal use of natural resources and minimize energy consumption. Industry players must work hand in hand to ensure sustainable and future-proof construction.