Climate change is by no means sparing the Geneva region. Summer 2025 was marked by repeated heatwaves requiring the activation of the Heatwave Plan, an August ranked as the 8th warmest month since records began in 1864, and several “tropical” days with maximum temperatures of 30°C or above.
To preserve quality of life in a fair and equitable way, putting in place a structured, integrated long-term strategy has therefore become an absolute priority for public authorities.
THEMES
The questions that arise are concrete ones: how can the built environment evolve to remain habitable? How can the city be transformed so that it remains welcoming and resilient in the face of the upheavals under way?
Around these questions, the Fondation Braillard Architectes is organising the Geneva Seminar 2025 as part of the City of Geneva’s Climate Week, on the theme “The climate city in question”. This annual event highlights the key moments and work developed over the year as a continuation of The Eco-Century Project culture and research programme.
- The Transition Workshop 2025, conducted with the support of the Canton and City of Geneva and the Services Industriels de Genève (SIG), explores this year the theme of ecological density in the Plainpalais – Place des Augustins neighbourhood. Architects, urban planners, researchers and citizens have worked together to identify spatial, constructive and participatory strategies for a more welcoming and more resilient city.
- The Seminar will also present the results of the first phase of the exploratory study Oasis Urbaines 2.0, carried out with the KdM agency and SIG. It concerns a new generation of climate shelters for Geneva’s public space, combining greening, natural cooling and the use of underground infrastructure.
Bringing together experts, decision-makers, professionals and citizens, the Geneva Seminar will open a space for dialogue and foresight around the results of research by design aimed at a resilient, inclusive and exemplary city in the face of today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
PROGRAMME (subject to change)
Introduction: Panos Mantziaras, Sylvain Ferretti
Reto Camponovo – HEPIA
Transition Workshop
Oasis Urbaine 2.0
Round table: Reto Camponovo, Albane Ferraris, Delphine Ding and Stéphane Emery
Conclusion: Albane Ferraris, City of Geneva
The evening will close with a drinks reception.
REGISTRATION
Free admission, registration required
VENUE
Fondation Braillard Architectes
16 rue Saint-Léger, 1205 Geneva
