The Elements

In the transition towards a sustainable society we are challenged to rethink the role of earth, water, air and fire in architecture and in our living environment. With the theme The Elements, TIAFF shed light on how we deal with the natural elements in cities, landscapes and buildings.

Modern techniques allowed us to tame fire, earth, water and air. We no longer had to fear the natural elements. Until now. High land prices, new energy sources, heavy rainfall, flooding and air pollution are part of daily life. At the same time, the elements carry enormous symbolic power.

With the theme The Elements, TIAFF wanted to move beyond seeing today's planetary crises as merely a technical problem, and to search for the poetic and architectural value of the elements. TIAFF therefore presented inspiring and topical films with lectures in which earth, water, air and fire in our living environment were brought into focus.