The Anthropocene, marked by profound human influence on the planet’s ecosystems, demands a new approach to architecture and urban design. This special session will explore how design disciplines can respond to the critical environmental and social challenges of this era. It will focus on developing built environments that not only serve human needs but also accommodate the more-than-human world, including ecological systems and non-human species. By integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics, architecture and urban design can create intelligent environments that promote ecological balance, social equity, and cultural vitality.
The session will examine innovative design methods prioritizing ecological integrity and universal accessibility as core principles. These approaches are vital for fostering harmonious relationships between natural systems and the built environment while also addressing the diverse needs of human populations, especially those in urban and resource-scarce contexts. The Anthropocene presents a unique opportunity to reshape design practices, favoring solutions that work with natural processes while promoting social inclusion and resilience.
Key topics will include the role of design in mitigating climate change, reducing resource use, and supporting biodiversity in urban areas. The session will also explore integrating intelligent technologies such as AI, IoT, and data fusion into design strategies that enhance sustainability and inclusivity. These technologies provide new opportunities for creating adaptive and responsive environments that meet the needs of both humans and ecosystems.
In addition, the session will consider the pedagogical implications of these design strategies. It will ask how design education can move beyond traditional human-centered frameworks to embrace ecological systems thinking and how students can be equipped to tackle complex global challenges through sustainable and inclusive design practices. By addressing these issues, the session aims to inspire a new generation of architects and urban designers capable of envisioning and building environments that are intelligent, sustainable, and socially equitable.
This session will foster interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to expanding the discourse on smart cities, intelligent environments, and the evolving role of architecture in the Anthropocene. It will provide critical insights into how design can create resilient, adaptable spaces that support the well-being of all life forms while addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Session Chair:
Melanie Fessel
Melanie Fessel is the Principal of Terreform ONE, Director of Design at Terreform X, and Professor at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. Her expertise lies in architecture, urban design, sustainability, and inclusivity. She has previously held academic and leadership positions at ETH Zurich and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Her work hasbeen recognized with numerous awards, including the LafargeHolcim Acknowledgement Prize and the Victor Papanek Social Design Award. Fessel has contributed to significant publications such as Transitioning to Sustainable Cities and Communities (MDPI) and Design with Life: Biotech Architecture and Resilient Cities (Actar). At Hochschule RheinMain, she leads the “Platform for Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion,” which integrates ecological principles and universal design into interior architecture.
Expected Contributions:
The special session is expected to attract academic submissions from various researchers, educators, and practitioners working in architecture, urban design, and related disciplines. Topics relevant to the Anthropocene, including sustainable, inclusive, and intelligent environments, will be central to the session. Contributions may focus on the following themes:
– Sustainable urban design and architecture
– Design in the Anthropocene and more-than-human worlds
– Inclusive and universally accessible environments
– Pedagogical strategies for teaching sustainability in design
– The role of AI and IoT in advancing ecological and human-centered design solutions
Submissions will provide diverse perspectives and innovative solutions, encouraging interdisciplinary discussion in line with the main themes of the IE2025 conference.
This special session will offer a platform for critical reflection on the role of architecture and urban design in addressing the environmental and societal challenges of the Anthropocene. By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics, the session will foster the development of intelligent environments that harmonize human needs with ecological responsibilities. The discussions will contribute to innovative approaches for creating resilient, adaptable spaces that address current and future challenges.