Forum
International Symposia
Holcim Foundation Forum
An exchange for thought leadership and cutting-edge solutions
The Holcim Foundation Forum is a series of international symposia organised by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction. Each Forum centres on a theme that reflects current priorities in sustainable development. The Forums feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops that provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable construction strategies.
Most Recent Forum
Retreat, Resist, Respond
Venice, Italy – 2025
Holcim Foundation Forum 2025
Confronting flooding as one of today’s defining climate challenges, the 2025 Forum convened a curated global community of urban thinkers, environmental scientists, and design practitioners during the Venice Architecture Biennale. Under the theme RETREAT, RESIST, RESPOND, participants explored transformative approaches for living with rising waters.
Held as an invitation-only gathering, the Forum focused on proactive relocation strategies, protective systems for vulnerable coastlines, and adaptive infrastructures capable of responding to extreme weather and environmental change.
Previous Forums
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Re-materializing Construction | Cairo, Egypt – 2019
How materials management, materials flows, and circular design must play central roles to achieve a more sustainable world.
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Infrastructure Space | Detroit, USA – 2016
Examining sustainable toolsets for urban systems to deliver long-term infrastructure that is aligned with sustaining human habitat.
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Economy of Sustainable Construction | Mumbai, India – 2013
Exploring new paradigms of construction and prosperity that can work with our environment, rather than against it.
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Re-inventing Construction | Mexico City, Mexico – 2010
Evolving approaches so that sustainability is automatically embedded in the way the built environment is designed, constructed, used and recycled.
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Urban Trans-Formation | Shanghai, China – 2007
Managing urban transformation processes to achieve long-term sustainability in cities and the creation of livable human habitats.
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Basic Needs | Zurich, Switzerland – 2004
Translating the idea of sustainable development to deliver essential human requirements across design and construction.
Forum Objectives
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Advance Sustainable Construction
The Forums foster dialogue, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges facing the built environment. They serve as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary exchange among architects, engineers, urban planners, academics, and industry leaders.
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Encourage Collaboration
By bringing together professionals from diverse fields, the Forums facilitate the exchange of perspectives and expertise across disciplines.
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Promote Innovative Thinking
The events challenge conventional approaches and inspire participants to develop forward-thinking solutions for sustainable construction.
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Disseminate Knowledge
Insights and findings from the Forums are shared by the Foundation, extending the impact of discussions to a broader audience.
Through the Forum series, the Holcim Foundation aims to drive systemic change in the construction industry by aligning building practices with the principles of sustainability and resilience.
Related information
Location
News
The Materials Book presents ideas on environmentally mindful and socially responsible use of construction materials and resources
Sustainable supply and use of materials
Berlin, Germany
Review of the LafargeHolcim Forum “Re-materializing Construction” now published
“Doing more with less”
Cairo, Egypt
Michael Braungart receives Catalyst Award for Sustainable Construction at LafargeHolcim Forum
“Escape the efficiency paradigm and move towards effectiveness”
Cairo, Egypt
6th Holcim Forum kicks-off with internationally renowned speakers and in-depth workshops
Symposium examines strategies to “re-materialize” construction
Cairo, Egypt
Holcim Forum for Sustainable Construction 2019 in Egypt
Expert conference on “Re-materializing construction”
Cairo, Egypt
Videos
Francis Kéré delivered a keynote at the Holcim Forum 2019, emphasising the need to rethink how materials are used in future construction.
“Dealing with materials in the future” – Francis Kéré
Francis Kéré delivered a keynote at the Holcim Forum 2019, emphasising the need to rethink how materials are used in future construction.
“Dealing with materials in the future” – Francis Kéré
Anne Lacaton was a keynote speaker at the Holcim Forum 2019, where she explored the concept of “making do" to design with what is already there.
“Improving and making more effective” – Anne Lacaton
Anne Lacaton was a keynote speaker at the Holcim Forum 2019, where she explored the concept of “making do" to design with what is already there.
“Improving and making more effective” – Anne Lacaton
Lord Norman Foster opened the Holcim Forum 2019 with a keynote on how material innovation enables us to do more with less.
“Stretching the boundaries of what is possible” – Norman Foster
Lord Norman Foster opened the Holcim Forum 2019 with a keynote on how material innovation enables us to do more with less.
“Stretching the boundaries of what is possible” – Norman Foster
Watch a 5-minute recap with insights on “Re-materializing Construction” from the 6th Holcim Forum.
“The urgency to re-materialize construction is extreme”
Watch a 5-minute recap with insights on “Re-materializing Construction” from the 6th Holcim Forum.
“The urgency to re-materialize construction is extreme”
“Bring all the knowledge to the political decision-makers,” demands Rt Hon Simon Upton following the Holcim Forum on “Re-materializing construction” where he was concluding keynote speaker. Upton is the former Environmental Director of the OECD and currently New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
“Knowledge to political decision-makers” – Simon Upton
“Bring all the knowledge to the political decision-makers,” demands Rt Hon Simon Upton following the Holcim Forum on “Re-materializing construction” where he was concluding keynote speaker. Upton is the former Environmental Director of the OECD and currently New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
“Knowledge to political decision-makers” – Simon Upton
Publications
2nd Edition
Forum 2019 – The Materials Book: Re-materializing Construction – Cairo (Ruby Press)
Berlin, Germany
Forum 2019 – Re-materializing Construction – Cairo
Cairo, Egypt
Forum 2019 – 22 Propositions
Cairo, Egypt
Forum 2016 – Infrastructure Space – Detroit (Ruby Press)
Berlin, Germany
Forum 2016 – Infrastructure Space – Detroit
Detroit, MI, USA
Forum 2013 – Economy of Sustainable Construction – Mumbai (Ruby Press)
Forum 2013 – Economy of Sustainable Construction – Mumbai
Holcim Foundation releases 440-page book featuring articles and case studies by 38 internationally renowned architects, engineers and scholars and published by Ruby Press.
Re-inventing Construction – Inspired by the 3rd International Holcim Forum 2010 held in Mexico City
Mexico City, Mexico
Forum 2010 – Re-inventing Construction – Mexico City
Forum 2007 – Urban_Trans_Formation – Shanghai (Ruby Press)
Forum 2007 – Urban_Trans_Formation – Shanghai
