What if a powerful climate solution in cities isn’t a new building, but the roof that’s already there? As heat waves intensify across Europe, architect and MIT-trained educator Olivier Faber explains how his firm, Roofscapes is transforming overlooked rooftops into cooling, accessible, green infrastructure. Starting with Paris’s iconic zinc roofs, the conversation unpacks why existing buildings are misaligned with today’s climate, how shading and vegetation can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures without air conditioning, and why renovation and adaptation may matter more than new construction in the decades ahead. Along the way, Olivier reveals the political, technical, and cultural battles behind testing climate solutions in historic cities, and why climate adaptation is about changing how we value the buildings we already have.

Thumbnail Image courtesy of Roofscapes

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Keywords

architecture, climate change, renovation, urban design, sustainability, Roofscapes, green roofs, preservation, adaptation, building practices, Paris, urban design, heat island effect

Chapters

00:00 Background and Journey into Architecture

00:51 Exploring Alternative Architecture Practices

03:52 Introducing Roofscapes and Its Mission

06:17 Physical Adaptation: Before and After

07:16 The Challenges of Zinc Roofs in Urban Design

10:29 Innovative Solutions for Urban Heat Management

11:34Pitching Green Roof Solutions to Building Owners

14:08 Navigating the Complexities of Building Regulations

17:14 Measuring the Impact of Climate Adaptation Projects

24:09 Future Directions for Climate Adaptation in Architecture

Links

Olivier Faber - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-faber

Roofscapes - https://www.roofscapes.studio/MITx - https://mitxonline.mit.edu/