Published issues

You will all have understood my allusion to climate change, even though I’m cloaking it in amusing asides. I’m afraid, you see, that if I approach it too seriously, you might become numb to this theme due to over-saturation. And yet this is a topic with fatal consequences. Indeed, the fight is already underway, whether it’s over water (in the case of drought) or with it (in the case of rising sea levels).

No straightforward formula exists to address this complex situation in all its forms and contexts. We are dealing with interconnected, interwoven layers of global societies on an overpopulated planet. Still, architects are among those best equipped to deal rapidly with the manifestations of climate change. The erudition and opportunities are there. We can begin to protect ourselves now; it’s just a matter of raising consciousness. Accordingly, in this issue of INTRO, we’ve aimed for two things: to increase awareness and to showcase structures in which water is an integral part. Interviews with experienced specialists, placed fluidly throughout the magazine, tackle the theme from all angles. We hope you find their opinions as inspiring as we do.

Let’s save and conserve water. Let’s build barrels for rainwater under the eaves. Let’s really go for it and sink tanks. Let’s plant thousands and thousands of trees and shrubs, shading ourselves with green wherever it's possible to do so. Let’s embrace blue-green infrastructure and ensure sustainable water management in our cities. Then, even if the rainy years do come, no harm will be done. What will do harm is procrastination, bureaucratic red tape and dismissive hand waving. And let’s not forget common sense, so that we don’t commit lapses that will only cause further problems, no matter how good our intentions.

And so, if we manage to avoid sexual harassment and entanglements with Beijing (and whatever kind of relationship we have to Greta), I have the sense that if we proceed like this, we will deserve praise for acting responsibly.

Martin Verner, Editor in Chief