Building Less, Transforming More - Nordics at Archtober 2026

How can we rethink the future of our cities by transforming what already exists?

As the built environment faces growing challenges related to climate change, resource use, and urban development, architecture is increasingly turning its attention toward renovation, adaptation, and reuse.

Building Less, Transforming More brings together Nordic and American perspectives on how we can move beyond demolition and replacement toward a more responsible approach to building. Through two connected sessions, the programme examines both architectural practice and the policies, economic structures, and partnerships needed to make transformation a more common approach to the existing city.

Programme

Welcome remarks

First session: Nordic Practice Dialogue
Perspectives on transformation, renovation and adaptive reuse

·   Dorte Mandrup, Creative Director & Founder, Dorte Mandrup (Denmark)

·   Thomas Lui, Partner and Architect, Atelier Oslo (Norway)

·   Nicholas Ceme, Structural Engineer, Peikko (Finland)

·   Pernilla Ohrstedt, Architect and Designer, Pernilla Ohrstedt Studio (Sweden)

The four Nordic speakers will present their practices and perspectives on working with existing buildings, followed by a moderated conversation.

Moderator: Beatrice Galilee
Founder and Executive Director, The World Around

Second session: From Practice to Systemic Change
What needs to change to make transformation the norm?

·   Josiane Schmidt, Policy Coordinator and Campaign Manager, HouseEurope!

·   Jorge Otero-Pailos, Director and Professor of Historic Preservation, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

Moderator: Beatrice Galilee, Founder and Executive Director, The World Around

The second conversation explores the policies, regulations, economic structures, and partnerships that shape how we transform and reuse the existing built environment.

Presented by the Consulates General of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden in New York. Made possible with support from the OBEL Foundation.

‍