Synergies are an important topic in an increasingly differentiated and specialized world, whose problems are growing ever larger and more complex. Finding common ground, collaborating in constellations where individuals, groups, and their expertise, complement and enrich one another appears as an obvious long-term, intergenerational imperative. However, in early 2026, the search for synergy hardly seems to play a role in the thinking and actions of the leading powers. Instead, the focus is on strength and force, even on the rights of the strongest as “the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time.”[1] A new age of imperialism is dawning – the harbingers are clear, but the role that Europe, and its ideal of a pluralistic democratic social order, will play in it is anything but.
GAM is published annually, so commenting on day-to-day politics is not for us. And yet, this issue’s theme takes on a special dimension by distinguishing itself from the prevailing media discourse. Our focus is on the potential of synergies, on preparing collectively viable and innovative solutions through cooperative practices. The collaboration of diverse forces, where everyone wins, is something we should all strive for. If we improve our collaboration skills, the likelihood of finding better solutions together also increases.
In architecture, collaboration across disciplines, hierarchies, and fields of activity seems natural. One could argue that architecture, by virtue of its multidisciplinary nature, is inherently familiar with the topic of synergy and possesses a wealth of experiential and methodological knowledge — both implicit and explicit. But these are exciting times, to say the least; new avenues that lead in seemingly opposite directions are opening wide and beckoning: firstly, innovative forms of inclusion, and participation have unfolded with advanced digital technology. Secondly, renewed interest in the natural world, in the ‘more-than-human’, in the ‘other’, and in natural, sustainably produced materials, has emerged in response to the climate and biodiversity crises. Both these directions necessitate expanding the circle of experts with whom we collaborate if we are to help address them appropriately. We all have a lot to learn.
The contributions we selected for GAM 22 address both developments: emerging digital possibilities as well as interest in natural processes and new materials. We found productive synergies underlying multidisciplinary work with trees and forests, with ruins, insects, and in philosophical discourse. Our contributors deal with fundamental theoretical concepts as well as concrete applications, with idealistic and speculative experiments, and also with pragmatic methods and their implementation in projects. To bring some order to this diverse range of topics, the contributions are divided into three thematic sections.
The first– “Finding Coherence” – is dedicated to the socio-cultural and theoretical relevance of synergies in architecture; it demonstrates how disparate logics of action can be transformed into new, relational orders. Engaging with other perspectives often means questioning one’s own. Chris Younès encourages us to do so with a philosophical look at the concept of boundaries, between disciplines, for example, and the possibilities of new territories that can open up there. She advocates for a paradigmatic re-evaluation of the relationship between nature, society, and technology. Secondly, Olga Mesa and Nathan Fash describe three projects from their studio Nuvola. Within the geographical context of Latin America, their work demonstrates how intercultural exchange and collaboration can lead to socially and ecologically sustainable infrastructures and production processes. Next, a series of photographs by Mo Michelsen Stochholm Kragdepicts a bathroom, a collectively managed ruin. Krag’s work highlights the importance of cultural heritage in the everyday environment of local village communities. This is followed by a report on the Synergies Symposium at TU Graz and discussion of the future of architectural research. The first section ends with a visual essay by Saurabh A. Mhatre, it illustrates how materials can perceive, adapt, and influence design.
The second section – “Rethinking Practice” – offers insights into research projects that, through innovative collaborations between specialists, aim to rethink and fundamentally transform building and planning practices. Daniela Mitterbergerviews architecture as a living system and reports on the creation of synergies between people, machines, and microorganisms. Milena Stavrič and her research team document their experiments with novel materials and the forms derived from them. Fabian Scheurer reflects on how synergies arise in practice and how building practices would need to change so that we could build both more efficiently and sustainably. The image sequence that transitions to the third section shifts scale. Sophia Meeres, Jay Gilbert und Ted Wilson present mappings of Ireland’s trees: the result of an interdisciplinary project that seeks to change the way trees are managed in one of the most sparsely forested countries in Europe.
“Fostering Involvement,” the title of the third section, addresses participation: Who is allowed in? Who wants to be part of it? Who should be? And how do we reach those concerned? Asya Illgün and Svenja Keune report on building for and with insects and the advantages of considering the needs of animals in construction. Yinan Liu, Charlotta Windahl, andUwe Rieger present cyber-physical projects in which hybrid, interactive spaces open up new forms of communication. The section concludes with an interview with Gerhard Schmitt, in which the former Vice President of ETH Zurich discusses the future of our cities and direct democracy, and explains why he sells freshly brewed coffee at the weekly market in his hometown. Intrigued? We hope so! We wish you an engaging and insightful read and invite you to join us in creating a synergistic future, where everyone wins.
Translation: Urs Hirschberg, Sophia Meeres
[1] Stephen Miller, Homeland Security Advisor to the US Government, on January 6th 2026 in an Interview with Jake Tapper (CNN), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLFkQbPWWDI, accessed February 19, 2026.