The Norman Foster Foundation has published Architecture & Technology Volume II, which brings together conversations and lectures from a range of experts on the theme of this edition, Cities in Climate Crisis, including a contribution by Stefano Boeri.
In particular, the second instalment of the Architecture and Technology series gathers a diverse collection of fifty-five lectures delivered at the Norman Foster Foundation between 2021 and 2023 by leading voices in sustainability, architecture, urbanism, energy, art, and mobility. With an introductory chapter by Amory B. Lovins, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Rocky Mountain Institute, the volume features contributions from, among others, Vishaan Chakrabarti, Founder and Creative Director of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism; Dava J. Newman, Director of the MIT Media Lab and Apollo Program Professor of Astronautics at MIT; Maya Lin, Director of Maya Lin Studio; and Shigeru Ban, Founder and Principal of Shigeru Ban Architects.
Within this context, Stefano Boeri contributes with Green Obsession: Trees towards Cities, Humans towards Forests, a piece that reflects the philosophy of the Stefano Boeri Architetti practice.
“We occupy a small space: 3% of the entire surface of the Earth. But in less than three million years since the birth of our species, we have already consumed 70% of the resources at our disposal, producing almost 80% of carbon dioxide. Plants, on the other side, have existed on this planet for millions of years before humans, but we have also neglected to recognise the fundamental role they play—not just for us, but for all living species. Plants sustain life, and their presence is essential to the balance of ecosystems, yet we often take them for granted. We are well aware that the presence of greenery and plants provides important ecosystem services and environmental benefits, and they are much needed in European cities today due to worryingly high temperatures and pollution levels,” writes Stefano Boeri.
Full volume available here: Architecture & Technology Volume II – Cities in Climate Crisis