Belinda Tato Ecosistema Urbano, Madrid, Spain
Statement
Architecture is the stage of life, and therefore has the capacity of improving our life in every possible aspect. At the same time architecture has an impact both in the short term and the long term environment in which we live. As architects and inhabitants of this world, we must recognize that we are an integral part of the ecosystem, nature and the environment, which form a delicate and interconnected system. Protecting the environment is therefore an act of self-care: preserving our present and future well-being.
As a society, we face immense challenges—from climate change and rising temperatures to the depletion of natural resources and climate-induced migration. However, these challenges also present a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life for both humanity and the countless species that share our planet.
Today we have the knowledge, tools, and capabilities to build sustainably and efficiently, from material choices to urban planning. Yet, much work remains. We must continue to research, innovate, and devise new solutions to address these urgent issues. Our collective creativity and ingenuity are crucial to advancing progress for the common good.
This is a great responsibility, but also an exciting challenge ahead. Let us engage, learn from each other and share best practices. Let us inspire and empower the next generation to carry the torch forward. Sustainability is not a professional skill—it is a fundamental principle upon which our future depends.
Belinda Tato
Biography
Belinda Tato is an architect, landscape architect and urban designer, co-founder and director of the firm Ecosistema Urbano, founded in 2000 in Madrid. Ecosistema Urbano specializes in urban consultancy, architecture, public space quality assessment and urban transformation processes. Their work has developed around the design of public space focusing on the improvement of bioclimatic conditions in contexts and climates as diverse as Norway, Florida or Bahrain.
In parallel, Ecosistema Urbano has been developing participatory tools and techniques to involve citizens in the creative and transforming processes of urban environments. During the last decade Ecosistema has successfully experimented with social software, communication platforms and the possibilities offered by new technologies to achieve the creation of more democratic urban environments.
Since 2000, Ecosistema Urbano has received prizes and awards on more than 45 occasions and their work has been covered by media from more than 40 countries. Belinda Tato has led workshops, lectured and taught at the world’s most prestigious institutions. She is currently an Associate Professor in Practice of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where she has been teaching since 2010.
Important projects
- BT-Cloudroom- Columbus, Indiana
Cloudroom- Columbus, Indiana
Official Website
ecosistemaurbano.com