Sustainable architecture in Ticino: USI's new IAST
The new Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology at USI promotes the reuse and conservation of existing buildings.
Contesto
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 p...
Dettagli operativi
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 exper...
Punti chiave
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....
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is IAST and what are its goals?","a":"IAST is the Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology of the Academy of Architecture at USI. Its goals are to promote the reuse and conservation of existing buildings, using digital technologies and AI to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of construction interventions."},{"q":"How can I participate in IAST initiatives?","a":"You can participate in IAST initiatives by registering for the workshops and seminars organized by the institute. Additionally, you can propose research projects or initiatives that promote sustainable architecture and collaborate with IAST to improve the quality of life and the environment in Ticino."},{"q":"What are the benefits of sustainable architecture for cross-border workers?","a":"Sustainable architecture can lead to a greater availability of affordable housing, reducing pressure on the real estate market. Furthermore, it can improve the quality of life for residents, thanks to the use of digital technologies for preliminary building analysis and the definition of targeted intervention strategies."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is IAST and what are its goals?
- IAST is the Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology of the Academy of Architecture at USI. Its goals are to promote the reuse and conservation of existing buildings, using digital technologies and AI to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of construction interventions.
- How can I participate in IAST initiatives?
- You can participate in IAST initiatives by registering for the workshops and seminars organized by the institute. Additionally, you can propose research projects or initiatives that promote sustainable architecture and collaborate with IAST to improve the quality of life and the environment in Ticino.
- What are the benefits of sustainable architecture for cross-border workers?
- Sustainable architecture can lead to a greater availability of affordable housing, reducing pressure on the real estate market. Furthermore, it can improve the quality of life for residents, thanks to the use of digital technologies for preliminary building analysis and the definition of targeted intervention strategies.