PLEA 2026, San José, Costa Rica
Opening Remarks
On behalf of the PLEA Board, welcome you all to the 38th PLEA Conference here in beautiful Costa Rica!
Since its inauguration in Miami in 1981, PLEA has grown into a truly global community of researchers, practitioners, educators and students committed to advancing sustainable architecture and urban design. For more than four decades, PLEA has championed climate-responsive design, passive environmental strategies and the responsible stewardship of our built environment—long before sustainability became a global imperative. Today, our network spans more than 40 countries, united by a shared commitment to creating healthier, more resilient and more sustainable places.
This year’s theme, “Common Sense Architecture,” could not be more timely. At a time of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss and growing social inequalities, common sense reminds us that the best solutions are often those that work with nature rather than against it. They are solutions that are practical, affordable, evidence-based and centred on people.
PLEA has always provided a unique platform where science meets practice, where innovation meets tradition, and where researchers, architects, engineers and policymakers learn from one another. We hope that over the coming days you will share your knowledge generously, challenge established thinking, build new collaborations and inspire the next generation of sustainable built environment professionals.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the Local Organising Committee, our volunteers, sponsors and everyone who has worked so hard to make this conference possible. Your dedication exemplifies the collaborative spirit that has always defined PLEA.
We wish you all an inspiring, enjoyable and productive conference.
The PLEA Board