Speaking with Niklas Maak

We speak with architectural theorist Niklas Maak about the future of building and the role of architects in a warming world. How can architects respond to the climate crisis today, and what will architecture of the future need to achieve?

As part of the European Action Week, we will speak with architectural theorist Niklas Maak about the future of building and the role of architects in a warming world. The past few weeks have once again shown how the climate crisis is affecting our built environment: temperatures of over 40°C across large parts of Europe, devastating wildfires, and more than 30,000 heat-related deaths in Germany over the past ten years.

Historically, architecture has always been a response to climatic conditions. The pre-modern city — from the Middle Ages to the 19th century — was dense, dark, and shaded. Its narrow streets provided relief from the heat, but also became breeding grounds for disease. With the advent of modernity, the architects entered the city as doctors, draped the buildings in white coats, cut away everything that was overgrown, and let the sunlight in through large windows. Unfortunately, far too much, writes Niklas Maak in his article “Wohnen in heißen Städten: Ist diese Mutation zum Höhlenmenschen unvermeidlich” (FAZ, 31.05.2026).

Against this background, we want to discuss: How can architects respond to the climate crisis today? Is a return to the cave inevitable? Or are there other ways of imagining a new "architecture of shadow”?

After the discussion we will have drinks and music to wind down the evening together.

We are really looking forward to an open discussion and an interesting night with everyone!