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- Humboldt 1845

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Welcome to explorations for future humane habitats!

I am an architect, academic, and global innovator. Over the past 25 years, my journey has led me through diverse cities, cultures, and climates, from the heart of Europe to the deserts of the Middle East, from the expansive terrains of Australia to dynamic contexts in China and Africa. Throughout my career, I have consistently explored how architecture can harmonise human experiences with planetary health.

My passion lies in creating architectural and urban solutions that are deeply responsive to local climates, cultures, and communities, with a special focus on desert and tropical environments. Whether leading large-scale urban projects such as Downtown Dubai or pioneering curricula like the ‘Desert Architecture’ program, my goal is to equip the next generation of architects with the tools and insights necessary to build resilient, sustainable, and inspiring human habitats.

Through securing substantial project and research funding, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and developing innovative, participatory teaching methodologies, I continue to explore ways in which architecture can foster human wellbeing while preserving mother earth.

Prof. Dr.-ing. Daniela A Ottmann

As an internationally recognized expert in sustainable architecture and urban development, I bring two decades of experience leading transformative initiatives from strategic concept to completion. Throughout my diverse career, I have operated across various socio-cultural, politico-economic, and bio-climatic contexts in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and China. I have had the opportunity to lead in roles within academia coupled with a decade in professional practice, advancing sustainable architecture and urban design, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and nurturing programs that equip architects to tackle global challenges effectively. Beyond my R&D consultancy, I am appointed Associate Professor of Architecture at Bond Univeristy and Adjunct Assoc Prof at Griffith university.

missions

Human Centred Design (HCD)

New Dashboard and Birkhaueser Publication Upcoming !
• Human-centered design for vertical and dense urbanism, focusing on creating livable urban architecture that enhance comfort and well-being, incorporating green spaces and community areas to support mental and physical health.. This body of work prioritizes latest scientific findings for design principles and indicators of health-ful urban environments for Mind, Body and Soul.

Cooler Cities for tropical deserts

UN-Habitat X Ingenious Women's initiatives

Empowerment initiatives for women led groups for sustainable architecture and urban development, exhibitions, symposium and competition held at EXPO2020 / Australia pavilion. Over the years, I have collaborated extensively with international organizations, government bodies, and NGOs to
advocate for inclusive, sustainable solutions in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry:
• UN-Habitat: Through partnerships with UN-Habitat, I have contributed to developing sustainable urban solutions
that foster inclusive, ecologically sound development. This includes advancing policies and strategies for integrating
climate resilience into city planning and working with global stakeholders to promote inclusive AEC industry practices
(Ottmann, 2021).

Desert Architecture and urbansim - past for future

Sustainable development Strategies

Co-Human Habitats

The concept of Co-Human Habitats is central to my work, which seeks to harmonize urban spaces with the needs of both ecological resilience and human well-being. My research in this area is designed to ensure that urban spaces not only achieve environmental sustainability but also provide a high quality of life for their inhabitants. In developing co-human habitats, I focus on:
• Urban Ecolution: Future Solutions for Healthy and Ecologically Integrated Cities provide a roadmap for designing urban spaces that prioritize both human well-being and ecological health (Baumeister & Ottmann, 2015).
• Inclusive, multi-generational living environments, which foster social interactions and improve overall well-being. My work on Co+Living Design explores participatory, age-inclusive urban design that strengthens community and resilience (Ottmann, 2020).

ESD Curricula + architecture Education

Dr. Ottmann integrates their research on Designing for Climate and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) with Studio projects to holistically innovate architecture design curricula with and for the students. She has developed modules and regionally tailor-made curricula (desert architecture) that ensure future architects are equipped to tackle climate challenges. •Development and implementation postgraduate Master Urban Design + Architecture Design Programs including accreditation (e.g. Integrated Master of Urban Design at GUtech 2010; Canadian University architecture program implementation 2009: from 18 to 600 students; Development ‘Desert Architecture’ 2020, Accreditation of NEW architecture curriculum for Zayed University 2022)

Philosophy

Core Approach: Cities as Synergy between Ecosphere and Anthroposphere

I am pleased to present my field of expertise, EcoSpheric Architecture & Urbanism, which emphasizes
the synergistic relationship between natural ecosystems (the ecosphere) and human-built environments (the anthroposphere). This innovative method integrates eco-logical solutions with human-centred design, aiming to create resilient, sustainable, and health-promoting urban architecture that align with global goals for net-zero emissions and climate resilience.
Urban Architecture as Synergy between Ecosphere and Anthroposphere/
EcoSpheric Architecture & Urbanism is grounded in the belief that cities and buildings must not only reduce their environmental impact but also contribute to the regeneration and resilience of the natural systems in which they exist.
Core Frameworks//
• Urban Ecolution: Future Solutions for Healthy and Ecologically Integrated Cities provide a roadmap for designing urban spaces that prioritise both human well-being and ecological health (Baumeister & Ottmann, 2015).
• Ecological Building Materials with low impact in challenging climate zones such as deserts and drylands, promoting low emission and enhancing resilience to environmental stressors (Ottmann, 2022).
• The Urban Correlator project exemplifies this approach, offering strategies for ecologically adaptable urban and architectural development that align human activities with natural systems (Ottmann, 2016).

ESG Advocacy for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Architecture Solutions

Over the years, I have collaborated extensively with international organizations, government bodies, and NGOs to advocate for inclusive, sustainable solutions in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry:
• UN-Habitat: Through partnerships with UN-Habitat, I have contributed to developing sustainable urban solutions that foster inclusive, ecologically sound development. This includes advancing policies and strategies for integrating climate resilience into city planning and working with global stakeholders to promote inclusive AEC industry practices (Ottmann, 2021).
• Government of Western Australia and DFAT (Australia): In my research work for the Government of Western Australia, I led the development of affordable housing solutions and co-living models, ensuring that sustainability and inclusivity are at the forefront of urban planning. Through DFAT (Australia), I have collaborated on international projects to promote inclusiveness, notably in Expo 2020 Dubai, focusing on Ingenious Women’s Initiatives (Ottmann, 2021).
• Government of Oman: I have worked on multiple projects with the Government of Oman, including developing sustainable tourism and architectural rehabilitation of heritage sites. These efforts integrated ecological resilience with the cultural fabric of Omani architecture, focusing on traditional building knowledge to create sustainable urban forms (Ottmann, 2011).
• NGO Initiatives (Solomon Islands, South Africa, Morocco): My collaboration with NGO initiatives across countries like the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Morocco has centred around designing climate-adaptive urban solutions for vulnerable communities. These projects include the development of eco-friendly housing and strategies for community-based resilience, focusing on the use of local materials and nature-based solutions to promote both social and environmental sustainability.

Expanded Role of the Architect: Urban Eco-Systems + Micro-climate Shaper

Dr. Ottmann envisions architects taking on a broader role as Urban Eco-Systems Shapers through:
• Climate-Driven Urban Architecture: Shaping Micro-climates
A significant part of my research focuses on urban microclimate shaping through passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, and green corridors. These strategies help counteract urban heat island effects without relying on energy-intensive solutions. My approach includes bioclimatic urbanism, promoting natural ventilation, water management, and carbon-neutral energy sources to mitigate climate change impacts.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of engineers, planners, and scientists to develop net-zero and
climate-resilient urban environments.
• The concept of Urban Ecolution combines ecology and urban evolution to develop cities that adapt to environmental challenges. Implementing multi-scale strategies to develop net-zero cities by integrating smart technologies, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions at the building and district levels.
• Ensuring urban environments are adaptive and resilient, using data-driven approaches to guide urban
transformation.