At a time when the effects of climate change are increasingly visible in our cities and territories, rethinking urban planning from sustainable and regenerative approaches has become a necessity. This was explained by German researcher Elissa Diesch during her participation in the event ‘Circular Architecture’, where she shared her vision on how architecture and engineering can be key in building a more resilient future.
After her presentation at the Bicentennial Campus of the UIS Socorro Campus, Elissa Diesch spoke to us about the concept of circular urbanism, the importance of ancestral knowledge, the role of academia and practice, and her life experience in Colombia.
What was the main focus of your intervention at the ‘Circular Architecture’ event?
I shared a reflection on circular urbanism, a vision that promotes sustainable principles applied to urban systems. This approach allows us to think about cities and territories in a regenerative way, understanding that it is not enough to stop environmental deterioration, but that we must activate processes that restore urban and rural ecosystems. Circular urbanism proposes new ways of living and planning that respond concretely to the challenges of climate change.
How does this vision impact the new generations, especially in careers such as architecture and construction engineering?
I believe that the new generations are already living the consequences of climate change, it is not something future, it is a reality. But more than generating fear, this should push us to look for solutions. From architecture and engineering we have tools to transform the way we build. The construction sector generates a high amount of CO₂ emissions, so it is urgent to rethink our practices. This implies integrating technologies, updating knowledge and transforming both teaching and professional practice.
In your doctoral thesis you have focused on rural sectors. Why did you decide to study this relationship between city and countryside?
Cities do not exist in isolation. They function in relation to the rural territories that surround and supply them. This idea is known as urban metabolism, which includes flows of water, food, energy and culture. Personally, my interest also comes from a family and emotional connection: my grandparents lived in the countryside. In Latin America, one of the most urbanized continents in the world, we cannot lose sight of these relationships between the urban and the rural, because they are essential to build a more balanced development.
From your experience between Germany and Colombia, what contributions can each country make to the field of architecture?
Germany has had a significant influence on the architecture of the 20th century, and that legacy continues. But the exchange is not unidirectional. In Colombia there are architects with very valuable proposals that dialogue with vernacular architecture and everyday needs. Right here, on campus, there are examples that reflect that interaction. I feel like a bridge between both experiences: I actively participate in this exchange and I think we are on the right track, learning from each other.
What is your opinion on the use of ancestral materials and knowledge in the training of future architects?
It is a very valuable line of exploration. Inviting the new generations to work from the territory, using local materials and natural resources, makes it possible to design more adapted and sustainable solutions. The interesting thing is to do it from a creative point of view, combining tradition and innovation. In this way, new ways of living that are more in harmony with the environment can be generated.
Finally, what motivated you to settle in Colombia?
I came to Colombia initially as an exchange student at the Universidad Nacional and fell in love with the country. Then I decided to stay and pursue my doctorate in Bogotá. The Colombian academic landscape is solid and diverse, and there is also a great recognition of ancestral knowledge. This creates a very enriching environment for research and creation. It has been a deeply meaningful experience for me.
