4°C entre toi et moi” (4 Degrees Between You and Me)

Faculty were directly invited by the curators in Summer 2024 to represent Texas Tech University, following early research conducted at HCOA.
The interdisciplinary initiative features contributions from two courses: ARCH 4601 (directed by Dr. Mehan) and ARCH 5354 (led by Dr. Mostafavi). The project, “Adaptive Arid Climatic Constructs,” explores vernacular intelligence and emerging technologies to develop resilient architectural frameworks for arid and extreme climates.

Adaptive Reuse in the Age of Climate Change This studio examines adaptive reuse strategies of post-industrial landscapes (focused on oil and wind infrastructure) as a catalyst for ecological transition. Drawing from typologies across the MENA region and the Americas, students reimagine fossil-fuel legacies through sustainable and socially engaged design responses. 

Informed Variation: Climatic Aware Vernacular Constructs Students explored how traditional forms like wind towers, qanats, and earthen systems can inform new performance-driven solutions. By blending historical knowledge with computational tools and fabrication methods, the projects redefined vernacular frameworks as adaptive blueprints for the future. The results are presented in the form of posters and original drawings, reflecting site-specific investigations and climate-responsive design strategies.