Built Environment Symposium

The Alpbach Built Environment Symposium has emerged from the Alpbach Architecture Symposium. The new name reflects a shift in emphasis: the focus has been expanded from the form, function and design of buildings to our general relationship with the built environment around us. The term "building culture" implies the desire for a socially and economically responsible way of planning and building which allows people to live in dignity. A utopian vision? Our programme provides a platform for the assessment of existing planning concepts, points out possible improvements and presents best practice models. We will pay particular attention to participatory planning models. Who should be involved in planning processes? Who should, and who can, bear the ultimate responsibility for a project? An open discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of different planning and participation models will create the basis for a new "building culture".