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6 Forward-Thinking Themes

DCB

Driving Global Sustainability Initiatives

Some of the biggest challenges that we face today, in which design across all its sectors plays a fundamental role, is the implementation of environmental strategies to ensure a sustainable future.

Architects, property developers and urban planners are the starting point for urban and rural developments. Therefore they have a responsibility to establish and embed positive environmental, social and circular strategies into urban development policies and building design. The design industry needs to prioritise the implementation of regenerative strategies, the minimising of carbon output and the maximising of circular strategies. This is our opportunity to take the positive steps to future-proof the built environments of today to create a better tomorrow.

During the 3-day summit, we explored six core themes, each featuring a unique element of design's pivotal role in sustainability. 

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6 Core Themes

The Summit explores 6 core themes that are driving global sustainability initiatives

DAY 1

Retail Renaissance：Mall Culture and Sustainability 

In an era of rapid urbanisation, changing consumer preferences, and heightened environmental awareness, the retail landscape of the mall is going through a renaissance.

Consumers today are seeking more than just functional retail. Research has shown that particularly for Gen Z the physical shopping experience is a welcome escape from the digital world, with bricks-and-mortar retail taking priority over digital experiences. 

The Retail Renaissance in mall culture is a paradigm shift that recognises the potential of malls not just as commercial hubs, but as harmonious integration of spatial concepts to create dynamic centres for community engagement, sustainable design, and economic revitalisation. 

The Retail Renaissance theme explores the reinvention of the shopping mall as new centres of sustainability, community and culture.

Key Topics:

  • Re-inventing the mall as the new centres of sustainability, community and culture

  • Transcending Retail spaces

  • Positioning community as the central pillar within the retail environment

Well+Good: The Rise of Positive Impact Hospitality & Eco-travel

The Travel and Tourism sector accounts for an estimated 11% of global emissions. 

For designers, hoteliers, and travellers, it is our collective responsibility to make choices that tread lightly on the planet to protect the environment, respect local cultures, and enhance the general well-being of everyone. 

In this era of unprecedented environmental challenges, the hotel industry and eco travel sector have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainability.

The Well+good: The rise of Positive Impact Hospitality & Eco-travel theme explores where sustainability, wellness and responsible travel meet in the sustainable transformation of the hospitality sector.

Key Topics:

  • Positive Impact Hospitality

  • Greening Hospitality: Sustainable strategies for  Hotels and Resorts

  • Creating personalised 'low impact - high experience’ sustainable offerings for the hospitality sector.

DAY 2

The Economics of Climate Change

Technology and Sustainability are the two key driving forces that are shaping the future of the financial services sector. 

Climate change has a huge impact on society and economy. 

“The world remains seriously off track to limit global warming to 1.5 ° C”, as Guterres said.

 Businesses need mechanisms to finance the likely risks and monetise the commercial opportunities that a nature- positive transition will create. Green Financing plays a vital role in the built environment, sustainable commercial property developments, clean energy initiatives and sustainable design innovation. 

This theme brings together  Green Funds, Sustainable Banks, sustainable investment Institutions and property developers to discuss the financial impact of the climate crisis, climate-related spending and explore the markets, technologies and partnerships that are key to addressing the climate crisis.

Key Topics:

  • The economic cost of climate change

  • The role of Green finance in urban regeneration

  • How Green Fintech is Revolutionising Sustainable financing through technology

Beyond Buildings: Urban Sustainability and Smart Cities

Integrating resilience against extreme climate change in the built environment.

Digital solutions can reduce global emissions by up to 20%. 

A report by Accenture, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, shows that digital technologies, if scaled across industries, could deliver up to 20% of the 2050 reduction needed to hit the International Energy Agency net zero trajectories in the energy, materials and mobility industries.

To accelerate the transition to liveable, zero-carbon, zero-waste, smart cities the use of technology combined with sustainable urban planning methods and solutions represent a great opportunity in the creation of sustainable cities.

In this theme you can discover Net Zero City case studies and urban renewal projects and explore decarbonisation of architecture in the built environment and the creation of Net Zero Smart Cities.

Key Topics:

  • Designing for the future- innovation driven decarbonised architecture

  • Developing a circular technology platform for the Net Zero Smart City

  • Climate responsive architecture and resilient design

DAY 3

3D printing: Transforming the World of Design and Architecture

The development of 3D printing technology has changed the perception of architecture and has expanded its design possibilities. 

The positive impact of 3D printing on the architecture and design sector is revolutionising sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and redefining the future of the design and construction industry.

The exploration of 3D printing materials has resulted in architectural spaces with alternative structures and finishes and is also extremely beneficial in reducing carbon emissions in terms of material usage and labour. Traditional construction methods can lead to the depletion of natural resources. 3D printing extends the life of materials by allowing for efficient recycling and reuse.The speed and flexibility can increase the viability of 3D printing as a construction method. 

3D printing offers a range of benefits in sustainable design and architecture, including reduced waste, energy efficiency, design freedom, localised production, resource efficiency, and the use of sustainable materials. These advantages contribute to more eco-friendly, resource-efficient, and resilient construction practices, aligning with the principles of sustainability. 

This theme we explore the opportunities that 3D printing provides for architects and designers, in in creating sustainable projects with enhanced and  expanded design possibilities.

Key Topics:

  • Instant architecture: Expanding sustainable design possibilities

  • How 3D printing is redefining design and architectural possibilities

  • The role of 3D printing in creating sustainable, resilient urban environments.

Future Space: Where Technology and Sustainability Meet

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we design and build; With the continued development of artificial intelligence, the construction industry is facing a completely new future.

AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of creativity and design, allowing architects to design beyond traditional constraints. The future of architecture is looking more innovative and limitless than ever before. Artificial intelligence is increasingly changing the way we live and work.  

AI is being utilised in project development to automate tasks, improve productivity, and cut costs and address pressing sustainable design issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and carbon emissions.

This theme explores the potential and impact of AI in design, architecture and urban planning.

Key Topics:

  • The increasing influence of AI-enhanced tech  and data science on urban planning and infrastructure design

  • AI led architecture- creating spatial experiences

  • AI- human transitions- preparing for a new reality in design and architecture 

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