UC Davis-Southern Denmark University 2024

Summer Exchange Program Report

As if I hadn’t enjoyed setting up the course  ‘Path to zero-net-energy’ enough itself, at the end of the course, this summer I was given the chance to participate in an exchange program in collaboration with the D-lab UC Davis and Southern Denmark University. Along with a  group of students from that class, I got to attend a two-week summer school at SDU titled ‘Cities and climate change’, focusing on assessing the existing climate action plan for a particular city and providing reasonable recommendations for a more ambitious and comprehensive version. Our city of choice was Rio de Janeiro, which we chose because it is one of the most high-risk cities in the global south exposed to several climate hazards. We conducted a thorough analysis of the city's challenges, identifying gaps and areas for improvement. We quickly realized that many of the issues the city faced, were not directly climate related, but rather a consequence of socio-economic conditions leading to climate vulnerabilities.

Through in-depth research and group collaboration, I studied the complexities of addressing climate-related issues especially in the context of places that contribute the least to climate change, but still bear the worst consequences. This course taught me how to map out major hazards, analyze the system, prioritize immediate threats and translate research into a plan of action. My specific contributions included developing strategies for capacity building within vulnerable communities and exploring infrastructure resilience measures, such as the establishment of climate resilience centers and uninterrupted functioning of strategic infrastructure. This experience has reinforced my understanding of the interconnectedness of climate change, social equity, and urban development. This course was quite different from conventional courses that I have taken. It was designed much more like a rigorous, problem-solving workshop that is more focused on the pathways to get to the solution more than the solution itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Danish history and focus on functionality in architecture during my stay there. The SDU campus design tries to harmonize with the natural environment while also being human-centric with elements like a fully interconnected building envelope to minimize the need for students to step outside during the cold winter. Little elements like soundproofed corners in classrooms for group work and a staircase that is designed to function as an auditorium highlighted the emphasis on multiuse design. I was also highly impressed by their well-integrated public transport system, ensuring easy access to all parts of the city. This short stay in Denmark was truly the highlight of my summer and I am grateful for it. I am hoping to be able to help organize a similar workshop-like rigorous course sometime in the future.

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