Light, Materials and Space: Architecture as Regenerative System
The relationship between architecture, light and materials is not only technical, but deeply intertwined with our perception of space and living comfort. Today, designing does not only mean responding to functional needs, but creating a system in which natural light, materiality and sustainability are interwoven to create harmonious environments capable of improving the quality of life and dialoguing with the context.
This approach was the focus of Steven Holl‘s speech during Sguardi sulla Materia, an event promoted by Diasen last 27 June at the Roman Aquarium. The architect highlighted the need to go beyond a purely functional architecture to embrace a regenerative system in which sustainability, material identity and technological innovation coexist for a more conscious future.
Natural Light: Designer’s First Tool
According to Steven Holl’s vision, natural light is not a decorative element, but the foundation of design. From the earliest stages of design, it determines volumes, surfaces and materials, profoundly influencing the experience of spaces.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the architect highlights how light shapes surfaces and amplifies the sensory perception of natural materials. An iconic example is Carlo Scarpa’s Brionvega Cemetery, where the material, exposed to light and weathering, evolves over time, acquiring a unique patina. This shows that light-conscious design transforms buildings into living organisms in continuous dialogue with their surroundings.
Natural Materials: The Essence of Living Comfort
The choice of materials is an act of design responsibility. Holl favours materials that dialogue with time and context, avoiding synthetic solutions. Sustainable architecture passes through the rediscovery of materials such as cork, clay and natural finishes, which can reduce environmental impact and improve living comfort.
In addition to their aesthetic function, materials must tell a story. Recovering material identity allows us to create a bridge between past and future, enhancing the existing building heritage with new interpretations. At a time when recovery and regeneration are fundamental, preserving the built environment becomes a key strategy for sustainable architecture that respects history.
Innovation and Sustainability: Towards Carbon Zero Architecture
Today, the challenge for architecture is not just to build, but to design responsibly. The future of construction is moving towards carbon-neutral buildings, capable of integrating renewable energy and reducing environmental impact through technological innovations such as the use of natural materials.
But there is another dimension to consider: the social role of architecture. Creating inclusive spaces that encourage sharing and collective well-being is just as important as environmental sustainability. As Holl argues, architecture – just like poetry and music – must counteract the entropy of the modern world by offering places of beauty and harmony.
Sustainability and Design: the Future of Architecture according to Diasen
Steven Holl’s thoughts align perfectly with the Diasen vision, which has always been committed to promoting innovative green building and environmentally friendly architecture.
At Diasen, we believe in an architecture that does not just build spaces, but brings them alive, integrating them with the landscape and improving people’s well-being. Through the use of ecoplasters, natural finishes and solutions that combine aesthetics and performance, we pursue a concrete commitment to regenerative and responsible design. The architecture of the future cannot ignore a holistic approach, where light, material and technological innovation come together to generate comfortable and sustainable environments. Designing means taking responsibility for building a better world, capable of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the resources of future generations. Diasen embraces this challenge, supporting architects and designers in creating innovative and sustainable environments.
