HOLISTIC SUSTAINABILITY
There is general consent that saving energy is absolutely vital. But holistic sustainability goes way beyond energy saving. It includes social responsibility as much as the protection of our environment. Wrapping a building with a layer of thick insulation, installing tripple glazed windows, and equipping it with the latest building technology might be an adequate answer in some cases. Nevertheless, sometimes reduction of material and technology is the key to achieve the best balance between the invested resources and the returned use. We understand sustainability as a holistic mindset that influences every decision from beginning to end of a process always focusing on the creation of livable environments for the generations to come.
DIGITALIZATION
The 21st century is often referred to as information or communication age. For the lack of better terms we are using these to describe a massive shift from a pre digital age to a century dominated by digital networks, omnipresence of information, virtual realities, and artificial intelligence. Information is available anytime and anywhere – unfiltered and real-time. New technologies transfer the physical world into a virtual environment. playze is researching the influence of these digital technologies on architecture and urban settings. Innovative concepts are being discussed and tested with our clients in order to create environments that are designed not only for present but also for future generations.
MODULARITY
We are more and more confronted with contemporary challenges like requests for speedy construction, accelerated design processes, flexibility in program, and temporary structures. Digital production and planning tools have freed modular construction from monotonous repetition.
Therefore, playze started researching the possibilities of modular construction strategies. In a series of projects constructed with different base modules including freight containers, playze gained in depth experience in this specific field of architecture.
RECIRCULATION AND ADAPTATION
Building structures are usually quite permanent. In contrary, the way humans live, work, and regenerate is ever changing. Recirculation and adaptation of building structures is therefore an important concept especially for highly developed city fabrics. playzes portfolio covers not only a series of conversion and preservation projects but also research in adaptability of new structures.
SPATIAL COMMUNICATION
Spatial communication refers to the physical distances between people and their counterparts as they interact and convers with one another. Architectural spaces and especially exhibition buildings are catalyzers of communication. playze is constantly researching and developing its architectural communication strategies not only for museums and exhibitions, but also for other projects in the public realm.