Sustainable architecture in Ticino: USI's new IAST

Context

In brief

• New Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology (IAST) at USI
• Building reuse as a priority
• Digital technologies for preliminary analysis

Key facts

• What: Creation of the new Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology (IAST)
• When: Officially inaugurated on April 16, 2026
• Where: Academy of Architecture, USI, Ticino
• Who: Professor Ena Lloret-Fritschi and Professor Muck Petzet
• Amount: Not specified

Architecture is an act of transformation that shapes space to meet human needs. However, every building intervention involves a loss: something is altered, removed, or destroyed. Sustainability, on the other hand, aims to minimize environmental impact. This tension between the drive to build and the imperative to preserve is at the heart of today's debate.

The new Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology (IAST) of the Academy of Architecture at USI, directed by Professor Ena Lloret-Fritschi and Professor Muck Petzet, was officially inaugurated on April 16, 2026. The institute brings together expertise in areas such as heritage, construction, reuse, structural engineering, and digital technologies, with the aim of approaching sustainability in an integrated and multidisciplinary way.

The importance of reuse

According to Professor Muck Petzet, building new structures requires considerable resources and energy and has a significant environmental impact. Quoting Luigi Snozzi, 'Every intervention involves destruction; destroy intelligently.' Architects have the responsibility to question the necessity of the act itself. We must ask ourselves whether an intervention, and in particular a new construction, is really necessary, or whether we can work with what already exists.

Reuse is not just another choice, but the priority approach. Extending the life of buildings, adapting them, and preserving their material and cultural value allows us to reduce both emissions and resource consumption. While temporary constructions concentrate emissions over a short period, durable ones allow them to be amortized over time.

Digital technologies for sustainability

Professor Ena Lloret-Fritschi frames the issue from a complementary perspective, focusing on how to act when intervention becomes necessary. Sustainable architecture means, above all, being aware of the impact of each individual intervention. The challenge is not to avoid transformation altogether, but to define concrete paths to act responsibly and precisely, aware of the environmental cost of every choice.

Thanks to digital technologies and the integration of AI, it is now possible to thoroughly analyze a building already in the preliminary phases, defining targeted intervention strategies. In this perspective, technology becomes the engine of a more aware and informed action. At IAST, this approach is articulated through a clear hierarchy of intervention: first reuse and repair, then transformation, and - only as a last phase - demolition and new construction.

Sustainability as a fundamental principle

In this perspective, sustainability is not an accessory element, but the very essence of the principles that guide every choice, at every level of design. This also implies a change of mentality regarding what we preserve, what we transform, and what we remove. Instead of maximizing production, attention shifts to reducing the use of materials, responsible selection of the same, and optimization of structural systems.

It is not just a matter of containing the impact, but of creating resilient architectures, works capable of lasting, of being repaired, and of adapting to future needs. IAST represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future, where architecture not only meets human needs but does so responsibly and consciously.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The new IAST directives could have a significant impact on cross-border workers living and working in Ticino. Promoting the reuse and preservation of existing buildings could lead to a greater availability of affordable housing, reducing pressure on the real estate market. Additionally, the use of digital technologies for preliminary building analysis could accelerate renovation and upgrading processes, improving the quality of life for residents.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the establishment of IAST, sustainability in architecture was often seen as a secondary goal, subordinate to the need to build new structures. With the advent of the new institute, there is a paradigm shift where sustainability becomes the guiding principle of every project. This integrated and multidisciplinary approach could lead to greater awareness and responsibility among architects and builders, with tangible benefits for the environment and the community.

Future Scenarios

If IAST successfully promotes the reuse and preservation of existing buildings, we could see a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and natural resource consumption. Furthermore, the use of digital technologies could make design and construction processes more efficient and transparent, improving building quality and user satisfaction.

However, to achieve these goals, a change of mindset will be necessary not only among architects and builders but also among politicians and citizens. Sustainability must become a priority for everyone, not just a goal to be pursued superficially.

Comparison with Other Regions

Ticino, with its rich architectural tradition and strategic position between Italy and Switzerland, is an ideal laboratory for experimenting with new solutions in sustainable architecture. IAST could become a model for other regions, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile economic development with environmental respect.

Moreover, collaboration between USI and other European institutions could lead to a transfer of knowledge and skills, fostering the development of a network of architects and researchers committed to promoting sustainability.

Digital Technologies and AI

Digital technologies and AI are revolutionizing the way we design and build buildings. Preliminary analysis of existing buildings, thanks to the use of advanced digital tools, allows for rapid identification of the potential and constraints of each structure, facilitating the definition of targeted intervention strategies.

This approach not only reduces design times and costs but also improves the quality of interventions, ensuring more durable and sustainable results. IAST is at the forefront in this field, and its work could have a significant impact on the future of sustainable architecture.

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Key points

What cross-border workers can do

Cross-border workers who wish to benefit from the new opportunities offered by the IAST can start by informing themselves about the initiatives and ongoing projects. The institute regularly organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops open to the public, where you can delve into topics related to sustainable architecture and digital technologies.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Inform: Visit the IAST website to learn about current activities and projects. 2. Participate: Register for the workshops and seminars organized by the institute. 3. Collaborate: Propose research projects or initiatives that promote sustainable architecture. 4. Benefit: Take advantage of the opportunities offered by the IAST to improve the quality of life and the environment in Ticino.

Useful tools

To delve into topics related to sustainable architecture and digital technologies, you can use the sustainability calculator available on the IAST website. This tool allows you to assess the environmental impact of construction projects and identify the most effective solutions to reduce resource consumption and CO2 emissions.

Deadlines and required documents

Deadlines and required documents for participating in IAST initiatives have not yet been specified. However, it is advisable to stay updated by regularly visiting the institute's website and subscribing to the newsletter to receive information about new opportunities.

Final CTA

To learn more about IAST initiatives and how to participate, visit the institute's official website and use the sustainability calculator to assess the environmental impact of your construction projects. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for Ticino and for all cross-border workers who live and work there.

Source: laregione.ch