Silent wisdom as a foundation for tomorrow

Making monuments more sustainable can sometimes evoke feelings of contradiction and resistance. As a result, some characteristic buildings risk being left behind in the transition to a more sustainable society. And that would be a shame, because monuments hold a wealth of knowledge — from smart design principles and natural systems to circular logics and everyday rituals — much of which we have forgotten in modern society. Monuments are not static memories. They embody materials, rituals, and intelligent design principles that still work today.

In this Co/Lab, we revisit that silent knowledge and translate it into practical, affordable steps toward comfort, health, and energy savings. Not through more technology, but through a better understanding of what is already there. We explore how the sustainable qualities of heritage can be rediscovered and unlocked.

Our aim is to give monument owners and managers practical tools to apply these discoveries in today’s life. Not through large-scale renovations or complex installations, but with simple, clever insights rooted in historical design and usage principles. Applications that do not require large budgets or specialist knowledge.

The Approach

Phase 1 | Design Research

This Co/Lab begins with rediscovering what the past has to offer. What wisdom does the historic building already hold? This forms the foundation or blueprint for the research. What was the original design, and what was the vision of the architect or building period? By asking these questions, we gain a deeper understanding of why certain choices were made.

Phase 2 | Practical Deepening

Based on the insights from the design research, this Co/Lab focuses on a specific case. This case will be selected by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) and will serve as a representative example of current challenges in making monuments more sustainable, in relation to use, experience, and preservation.

Phase 3 | Tangible and Experiential Translation

All findings will not only be collected but also visualized. First, the research results and case insights will be compiled into a document with practical examples and lessons learned within the Co/Lab. The designers will then translate these outcomes into a tangible result — for example, a campaign, (public) intervention, training, or podcast — forming the basis for a broadly shareable final product.

Excited to Join?

For this Co/Lab we are looking for two complementary design studios to translate the silent knowledge of monuments into accessible, practical sustainability solutions for today. A duo with additional profiles (e.g. social, spatial, design research, participation, gamification, communication) and a strong focus on positive behavioral change. You combine research-driven thinking with imagination and are able to translate abstract insights into tangible forms.

This Co/Lab invites design studios to look beyond purely technical solutions. To explore how we can sense the value and intent of a monument: what does it tell us about different ways of living, dwelling, and caring for one another?

Does this spark your interest?

Does this sound like a design challenge for you? In the briefing and participation conditions below, you will find all the information about the Co/Lab and the challenge.

You can apply for this Co/Lab until 13 November, 11:59 PM.

More Information

Can be found in the Open Call.

📷 Technau, Sergé