Constant change is what marks the history of the European city. Over centuries architecture's
reactions to social disruptions-natural disaster plague or war-have fashioned the city into
an engine of civilization. And bound up with this has been the promise of economic independence
social cohesion and individual freedom.Now fundamental challenges such as climate change are
bringing cities face to face with new transformations that call into question the continuity
and sustainability of the ethical foundations underpinning urban ways of life. Bold and
decisive steps are needed.How far can urban planning landscape planning and architecture
foster the vital processes of change? How can the city offset possible losses caused by altered
lifestyles integrate new technologies or rehearse new forms of behaviour and ultimately
sublimate them into a functioning culture?In this volume the members of the Architecture
Section of the Akademie der Künste Berlin and their invited guests from all over Europe
introduce their positions by means of projects visions and manifestos. Essays by selected
authors with different viewpoints supplement the practical discourse.Published by Tim Rieniets
Matthias Sauerbruch and Jörn Walter on behalf of the Akademie der Künste Berlin.With a
photoessay by Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk.
