From a culture of demolition and replacement
to a culture of care and repair.
Symposium 2026
The research project “From ‘Baukultur’ to ‘Umbaukultur’ – From a Culture of Demolition and Replacement to a Culture of Care and Repair” aims to identify the subconscious cultural and behavioral attitudes that often determine and hinder the successful implementation of conversion projects. We will explore the roots of the prevailing replacement and throwaway culture, its expression in economic fundamentals, legal frameworks, and standards, and we will evaluate the serious negative environmental consequences of this highly unsustainable culture. We want to understand why we consistently fail to do the right thing and how to establish an alternative attitude of care and repair in the building sector.
Conceived as an integral part of the research project, the Umbaukultur Symposium 2026, will present a first overview of the findings developed by members of the international research team. The symposium will also provide a platform with invited guest speakers, researchers, and students.
Program
We kindly ask you to confirm your attendance (RSVP) by replying to symposium2026-umbau@usi.ch by Friday, 6th February.
For those unable to attend in person, the symposium will also be accessible via Zoom Webinar
(Meeting ID: 678 6626 9027 / Link: https://eu01web.zoom.us/j/67866269027).
