Winner of the CIEEM Best Practice Knowledge Sharing Award 2025Shortlisted in three categories in the Publisher Podcast Awards 2026 and 2025
Constructive VoicesConstructive Voices

Constructive Voices

Reports, articles, and podcasts on the built environment, sustainability and biodiversity

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Indigenous Architecture

Articles and podcasts about what we can learn from Indigenous Architecture

Place-Based Design: How Indigenous Architecture Reflects Local ContextsIndigenous Architecture

Place-Based Design: How Indigenous Architecture Reflects Local Contexts

Indigenous architecture is a unique form of design that is deeply rooted in local contexts and cultural heritage. It is a reflection of the history and traditions of a community, as well as the natural environment in which they live. From Africa to Asia, the Americas to Australia, indigenous architecture has evolved over centuries to […]

Jackie De Burca · 10/9/2023

Community-Centred Architecture: Empowering Indigenous Populations Through DesignIndigenous Architecture

Community-Centred Architecture: Empowering Indigenous Populations Through Design

Community-Centered Architecture is more than just constructing buildings. It’s about designing spaces that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and the overall well-being of communities. Architecture for communities should take into account the unique needs and values of the people who will use the spaces. Indigenous populations, in particular, have been historically marginalized and excluded from the design […]

Jackie De Burca · 10/9/2023

Indigenous Futurism: Envisioning Tomorrow's Architecture Through Cultural HeritageIndigenous Architecture

Indigenous Futurism: Envisioning Tomorrow's Architecture Through Cultural Heritage

Indigenous Futurism is a movement that incorporates Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage to imagine alternative futures. Architecture is a crucial aspect of this movement, as it involves envisioning and designing physical spaces that reflect Indigenous values and beliefs. By drawing on traditional knowledge, Indigenous Futurist architects are creating innovative and sustainable designs that challenge […]

Jackie De Burca · 10/9/2023

Colonial Impact and Indigenous Architecture: Tracing the Journey of Design ResilienceIndigenous Architecture

Colonial Impact and Indigenous Architecture: Tracing the Journey of Design Resilience

Indigenous Architecture has a rich history steeped in centuries of tradition and culture. However, with the arrival of colonial powers and their imposition of colonization architecture, indigenous building traditions were challenged. This section explores the impact of colonialism on Indigenous Architecture, highlighting the importance of tracing the journey of design resilience that has emerged as […]

Jackie De Burca · 9/12/2023

Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Architecture: A Global PerspectiveCambodia Built Environment

Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Architecture: A Global Perspective

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, sustainable architecture has emerged as a crucial tool for mitigating its impact. At the heart of this movement lies the integration of indigenous knowledge with sustainable design and eco-friendly construction practices. Indigenous knowledge refers to the cumulative body of knowledge and skills developed […]

Jackie De Burca · 9/6/2023

Revitalization of Traditional Techniques: A Closer Look at Contemporary Indigenous ArchitectureIndigenous Architecture

Revitalization of Traditional Techniques: A Closer Look at Contemporary Indigenous Architecture

Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Contemporary Indigenous Architecture. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Indigenous architectural design, exploring the fusion of traditional techniques with modern innovation. We will examine the key principles and practices that underpin this unique design discipline, highlighting its significance in preserving cultural heritage and promoting […]

Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023

Sacred Spaces: The Spiritual Dimensions of Indigenous ArchitectureIndigenous Architecture

Sacred Spaces: The Spiritual Dimensions of Indigenous Architecture

Indigenous architecture is much more than just a physical structure; it is an embodiment of the culture and beliefs of indigenous communities. Each building reflects a deep spiritual connection with nature and a reverence for the ancestors. The spiritual dimensions of indigenous architecture are crucial to understanding the significance of these structures to the people […]

Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023

Building with Nature: Sustainability in Indigenous Architectural PracticesIndigenous Architecture

Building with Nature: Sustainability in Indigenous Architectural Practices

Welcome to our article on Building with Nature, an approach to sustainable construction that embraces nature-inspired architecture and eco-friendly building practices. In this article, we will explore how indigenous architectural practices prioritize sustainability and the use of natural building materials. We will also discuss the significance of green infrastructure and biodiversity-friendly construction in Building with […]

Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023

Resilience and Tradition: Exploring the Significance of Indigenous Architecture in Modern ContextsIndigenous Architecture

Resilience and Tradition: Exploring the Significance of Indigenous Architecture in Modern Contexts

Welcome to our article on Indigenous Architecture in Modern Contexts. The ways in which architecture can contribute to cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment in Indigenous contexts are at the forefront of contemporary architectural practices. In this article, we will explore the significance of Indigenous Architecture in Modern Contexts and how architects are combining […]

Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023

Cultural Identity and Built Environment: Unraveling the Story of Indigenous ArchitectureIndigenous Architecture

Cultural Identity and Built Environment: Unraveling the Story of Indigenous Architecture

When we think of architecture, we typically consider the aesthetic and functional aspects of buildings. However, architecture is more than just the physical structure. It tells a story about the culture and identity of the people who designed and built it. The interplay between cultural identity and the built environment is an essential element in […]

Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023

Episode 36: Harvard & Columbia University Professor Julia Watson Explains What We Need To Learn From Indigenous ArchitectureJulia Watson

Episode 36: Harvard & Columbia University Professor Julia Watson Explains What We Need To Learn From Indigenous Architecture

Julia Watson, Designer, activist, academic, and author of Lo—TEK Design by Radical Indigenism One of the treats we have in store for listeners is an interview with Julia Watson….available below and on your favourite podcast channel from Tuesday 19th July. Julia is a leading expert of Lo—TEK nature-based technologies for climate-resilience. Her eponymously named studio […]

Julia Watson · 7/2/2022