Martin Rauch champions the use of raw earth in contemporary architecture as a response to climate challenges and dwindling resources. Trained as a ceramist, he was deeply influenced by local techniques he encountered in Africa. As the founder of Lehm Ton Erde, he has refined the technique of rammed earth and specializes in prefabricating large raw earth elements. His projects blend traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation. An acclaimed award winner, he also teaches at the University of Linz and ETH Zurich.

Clara and Philippe Simay will be speaking at Pavillon Sicli as part of the Anima lecture series. Their presentation delves into urban living spaces at the intersection of ecology, solidarity, and reuse, advocating for an architecture that fosters human connections and respects all forms of life. Clara Simay, an architect and co-founder of the cooperative Grand Huit, focuses on creating ecological and community-oriented living environments. Philippe Simay, a philosophy lecturer, examines the relationship between building practices and ecological lifestyles.

In French.

Xu Tiantian, the trailblazing architect and founder of China’s first woman-led architecture firm, is celebrated for rejuvenating rural Chinese communities. Leading DnA Design and Architecture, she employs “architectural acupuncture” to implement precise interventions that enhance local craftsmanship and conserve heritage. Since 2013, Xu has been transforming the Songyang district with over 20 innovative, sustainable projects in collaboration with and respectful of the local environment and communities.

In English.

Brazilian architect Carla Juaçaba, based in Rio de Janeiro, is celebrated for her projects that blend precise construction with contextual sensitivity. Her work spans unique houses and ephemeral installations, such as the Pavilion Humanidade 2012. She participated in the 2018 Venice Biennale and designed a chapel for the Vatican Pavilion. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, she has been teaching at the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio since 2019. Her creations are featured in major institutions, including the Centre Pompidou. Recently, she has presented installations in Geneva and Lisbon.

In English.

Architect Rina Rolli, founder of OFREIA and co-founder of StudioSer Architects, wraps up the “Anima” lecture series at the Pavillon Sicli. Known for her architectural approach that meticulously observes contexts and uses, her work uncovers the often hidden potential of places. As a lecturer at EPFL and BFH, she combines research with teaching, and her acclaimed work has received awards both in Switzerland and internationally.

In English.