#United States #New York City #UC Berkeley #MIT #Climate Refuge

Climate Refuge: A Student Initiative for Urban Climate Solutions

During Climate Week New York City, which is recognized as a pivotal climate summit gathering influential leaders from various sectors, students from Institut auf dem Rosenberg have unveiled the Climate Refuge. This full-scale architectural installation reimagines climate resilience by combining ancient cooling techniques with modern technology to provide a sustainable urban solution for the future.

Engaging the Next Generation

The Climate Refuge project involved 230 students, aged 6 to 18, from the Institut auf dem Rosenberg in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The students actively participated in workshops focusing on architecture, material science, design, and technology. With the help of their instructors and industry professionals, these young minds explored the principles of sustainable design, leading to the creation of modular clay blocks that constitute the walkable pavilion seen in New York.

An Immersive Experience

Exhibited from September 23 to 25 at Mabou Mines in NYC's East Village, the Climate Refuge installation features 600 meticulously crafted clay blocks. Visitors will benefit from both an immersive environment within the installation and participate in workshops led by students on topics such as modular design, material science, and sustainable urban planning. The pavilion also showcases an innovative facade that utilizes evaporative cooling systems, highlighting the potential of low-carbon solutions to combat urban heat and energy inequality.

Combining Education and Real-World Needs

The essence of the initiative lies in its educational foundation. According to Anita Gademann, Board Member and Head of Innovation at the Institut, “Students today are not spectators to the future — they are shaping it.” Through this project, students are not merely learning; they are directly addressing pressing climate challenges through collaboration and innovation. The hands-on approach allows students to grasp the complexities of climate adaptation while contributing to solutions that will resonate in their communities and beyond.

The Broader Impact

Insights gained from the Climate Refuge installation will not only inspire local actions but also contribute to a Youth Manifesto for Action, which is set to be presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026. This manifesto will encapsulate the voices of the youth as they engage with global experts on climate issues.

A Collaborative Journey

This project is part of an ongoing partnership between the Institut auf dem Rosenberg, MIT’s Design and Computation group, MIT’s Building Technology team, and UC Berkeley Architecture. Their collaborative efforts aim to focus on creating accessible, sustainable building systems. Following its New York debut, the installation is scheduled to travel to various locations, including MIT in Boston and Davos, ultimately becoming a permanent feature within Rosenberg's climate garden in Switzerland.

Final Thoughts

The Climate Refuge exemplifies how education and innovation can converge to create impactful solutions for the most urgent challenges of our time. Through initiatives like Climate Refuge, the next generation is learning not just to envision a better future, but to actively partake in creating it. As global climate action continues to escalate, projects like these highlight the potential of youth-led innovations to forge paths toward sustainable urban living.