Climate change is transforming the way we approach architecture and urban planning. The book It's About Time: The Architecture of Climate Change explores how the built environment can evolve to meet these challenges, fostering sustainability and resilience.

The climate crisis stems from a mix of human activities and natural influences, and architecture has played a role in shaping both the problem and the potential solutions. While the construction industry has contributed to environmental degradation, it is also at the forefront of new approaches to sustainability, energy generation, and eco-friendly design.

More than just creating buildings, architecture must now focus on long-term resilience. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and dwindling resources require a shift toward efficiency and adaptability. It's about time to push architects to rethink conventional practices and embed sustainability into the foundation of their designs.

Rather than viewing buildings as static, the book presents architecture as a dynamic force that changes over time. Spanning from 1952 to 2022, it traces the historical forces that have shaped our current climate crisis and explores how architecture must adapt in the years to come. A long-term perspective is essential to creating spaces that will remain functional, sustainable, and responsive to evolving environmental and technological conditions.

The book showcases both historic examples and contemporary projects, featuring more than 45 key moments in the history of environmental consciousness. As climate change continues to challenge urban landscapes, architects and designers have an opportunity to drive real change. It's About Time serves both as an exploration of past influences and a call for action, inspiring professionals to think critically about the role of architecture in a sustainable future.

It's About Time is a perfect example of an industry acknowledging its challenges and how the field of architecture is actively working to address them. The book highlights creative and innovative solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable future. The examples are eye-opening, offering a fascinating perspective on architecture through the lens of sustainability and its impact on the environment we inhabit today.

The book features contributions from experts such as Tom Avermaete and Daniel Barber (tbc) and is authored by Derk Loorbach, Véronique Patteeuw, Léa- Catherine Szacka, and Peter Veenstra. It offers insights from multiple perspectives, making it a valuable resource for those looking to create a more responsible built environment.

This work is also part of the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR), which explores groundbreaking solutions in architecture and urban planning for climate adaptation.

All images source: It’s About Time: The Architecture of Climate Change