An Architectural Answer to how Cities can Turn Down the Heat

<p>What if a powerful climate solution in cities isn’t a new building, but the roof that’s already there? As heat waves intensify across Europe, architect and MIT-trained educator Olivier Faber explains how his firm, Roofscapes is transforming overlooked rooftops into cooling, accessible, green infrastructure. Starting with Paris’s iconic zinc roofs, the conversation unpacks why existing buildings are misaligned with today’s climate, how shading and vegetation can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures without air conditioning, and why renovation and adaptation may matter more than new construction in the decades ahead. Along the way, Olivier reveals the political, technical, and cultural battles behind testing climate solutions in historic cities, and why climate adaptation is about changing how we value the buildings we already have.</p><p><br></p><p>Thumbnail Image courtesy of Roofscapes</p><p><strong>Subscribe to Most Podern on:</strong></p><p>Spotify - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrp">https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrp</a>Apple Podcasts - <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164</a>Youtube - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodern">https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodern</a>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/most.podern">https://www.instagram.com/most.podern</a>LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern">https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern</a></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>architecture, climate change, renovation, urban design, sustainability, Roofscapes, green roofs, preservation, adaptation, building practices, Paris, urban design, heat island effect</p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p><strong>00:00</strong> Background and Journey into Architecture</p><p><strong>00:51</strong> Exploring Alternative Architecture Practices</p><p><strong>03:52</strong> Introducing Roofscapes and Its Mission</p><p><strong>06:17</strong> Physical Adaptation: Before and After</p><p><strong>07:16</strong> The Challenges of Zinc Roofs in Urban Design</p><p><strong>10:29</strong> Innovative Solutions for Urban Heat Management</p><p><strong>11:34</strong>Pitching Green Roof Solutions to Building Owners</p><p><strong>14:08</strong> Navigating the Complexities of Building Regulations</p><p><strong>17:14</strong> Measuring the Impact of Climate Adaptation Projects</p><p><strong>24:09</strong> Future Directions for Climate Adaptation in Architecture</p><p><strong>Links</strong></p><p>Olivier Faber - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-faber">https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-faber</a></p><p>Roofscapes - <a href="https://www.roofscapes.studio/">https://www.roofscapes.studio/</a>MITx - <a href="https://mitxonline.mit.edu/">https://mitxonline.mit.edu/</a></p>