Interview with Arne Emerson from Morphosis: Sustainability, Innovation, and the Future of Design
Interview with Arne Emerson from Morphosis: Sustainability, Innovation, and the Future of Design by Lilibeth Martinez and Angelica Antuanette Vargas Ramos
In this conversation with Arne Emerson, partner at Morphosis, we explore the integration of sustainability in contemporary architecture, the challenges of designing future cities, and the use of advanced technology in architectural design.
Sustainability in Architecture: Responsibility and Strategies
Morphosis is recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability. What strategies do you use to integrate sustainable systems into complex projects, and what have been the biggest challenges?
Sustainability is our responsibility as architects. Architecture consumes over 50% of the planet’s natural resources, meaning every design decision impacts the environment and global health. At Morphosis, we prioritize passive strategies such as green roofs, secondary façades, and natural shading to reduce energy consumption without significantly increasing costs. However, a major challenge is client acceptance. Some, like the Bloomberg Center in New York, prioritize sustainability, while others, like the Dallas Museum, only meet the minimum energy requirements.
In Europe, stricter building codes enforce better energy efficiency, whereas in the U.S., regulations lay behind. This often means we must educate clients on sustainability’s long-term financial and environmental benefits.
Designing the Cities of the Future: The Case of Neom
If Morphosis were tasked with designing a fully carbon-neutral city from scratch, what would be the first major design principle or strategy you would implement?
We had the opportunity to work on a large-scale project with The Line in Neom, Saudi Arabia. The concept was a linear city, 150 km long and 3 km wide, with self-sustaining communities of 80,000 people each. We studied highly walkable cities like Copenhagen and Barcelona, where people typically walk up to 15 minutes before considering alternative transportation.
The key idea was to limit urban sprawl to just 5% of the land, preserving the rest as natural space. We designed an efficient transit system with high-speed trains to minimize car dependency. The city would generate its own renewable energy, desalinated water, and manage waste efficiently. While the project has evolved, the goal remains to create a groundbreaking urban model.
Innovation and Technology in Architecture
In a world where technology is key to design, how does Morphosis integrate tools like BIM, parametric design, and digital fabrication into its process?
Technology is fundamental to our work. We use softwares like Rhino, Revit, and Catia, but what truly defines our approach is combining digital tools with physical models. 3D printing is essential to our process, allowing us to quickly visualize and refine designs.
Our workflow isn’t rigid. Sometimes we start with sketches, other times with digital modeling, but we always validate ideas with physical prototypes. This iterative process helps us fine-tune designs and ensure they integrate seamlessly within their context.
Key Projects That Shaped Morphosis
Looking back, is there a project that marked a turning point in how Morphosis approaches design and innovation?
Several projects stand out. One of the first was Diamond Ranch High School in the 1990s, where we learned to integrate architecture with landscape on a complex topography. Later, the San Francisco Federal Building in 2006 was pivotal in demonstrating the benefits of sustainability to government clients. We reduced air conditioning needs by 30% through passive strategies and convinced policymakers by presenting clear data on energy efficiency and savings.
These projects transformed how we work—not just in design but in how we communicate ideas. We realized that good architecture isn’t enough; we must also know how to articulate its value to different types of clients.
Conclusion: Architecture with Purpose
Morphosis doesn’t just design buildings—it seeks to redefine how we interact with our environment. From sustainability to advanced technology, the firm approaches each project holistically. As Emerson emphasizes, architecture isn’t just about drawing and construction—it’s also about empathy and communication: understanding user needs and persuading clients to make responsible decisions. In a rapidly changing world, these principles are crucial for shaping the cities of the future.