Optimizing Decision-Making for Climate-Neutral Post-War Buildings: The Architect’s Role in Sustainable Transformation

Abstract

The paper examines the role of architects in decision-making processes for the sustainable transformation of the existing building stock, focusing on early planning phases where demolition, preservation or redevelopment of post-war buildings is considered. Based on a multidimensional theoretical framework, it develops a heuristic model identifying five dimensions of influence: design framing, mediation, normative legitimation, political positioning and navigating planning uncertainty. Combining approaches from architectural sociology, professions theory and planning theory, the paper derives a qualitative analytical framework. The aim is to systematically reconstruct modes of influence and professional agency. It presents the theoretical basis, the conceptual model, the methodological approach and initial empirical findings from expert interviews. A more detailed analysis of the interview data will follow in the next stages of the research.