The Architecture of Resilience: Safe, Circular, Enduring

This presentation, Beyond the Frame: Resilience in New Zealand’s Built Environment,invites you to step beyond the traditional boundaries of design, past aesthetics and compliance, to uncover what resilience truly means for architecture in a rapidly changing world. New Zealand faces distinct challenges: seismic risks, climate extremes, and mounting ecological pressures. These realities demand more than robust structures; they call for adaptable, future-ready solutions that safeguard people, places, and the planet. In this session, we will explore resilience, not as an optional add-on, but as a core design mindset that drives performance, durability, and wellbeing. Together, we’ll examine where current standards fall short, identify opportunities for leadership, and explore practical ways to embed resilience into every design decision.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Explore the Holocene epoch and our planets transition to the Anthropocene epoch
• Define resilience and its relevance within this new age to NZ’s climate risks.
• Identify how material choices impact durability and energy performance.
• Evaluate code limitations and opportunities for climate leadership.
• Apply resilience principles to design for adaptability and longevity.
• Compare global best practices to inform smarter specifications.