From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

64FIGURE 1 Framework for culture-based climate action The development of the ecosystem for converting climate goals into action starts with bottom-up solutions driven by local and Indigenous community needs, knowledge and expertise. Culture-based climate action approaches The Davos Baukultur Alliance champions a culture-based approach to place-based climate interventions – one that recognizes the transformative power of cultural nar - ratives, traditions and heritage in shaping sustainable, resilient futures. By embedding Indigenous philosophies of interconnectedness into urban planning and devel- opment, it’s possible to move towards holistic climate solutions that honour ecological balance and cultural continuity. The Alliance seeks to advance human-cen- tred design, ensuring that created spaces not only mitigate environmental impact but also cultivate well-be- ing, social cohesion and a deep sense of belonging. The following approaches outline strategies to centre cultural wisdom (including traditional knowledge and technologies, innovation, community engagement and individual voices) as a key driver of climate resil- ience. They seek to ensure that climate action is not only effective but also deeply rooted in local identity and experience, considering the history and unique characteristics of each place to cultivate sustainable communities and a sense of belonging. Harness cultural practices and knowledge through mutual exchange.Culture-based ecosystem for converting climate goals into action that honours and learns from the past, informs the present and creates the future.Advance cultural practices through mutual exchange of services and benefits that balence land and people.APPROACH 1 Harness traditional knowledge for innovative climate-resilient urban development Traditional knowledge and pre-fossil-fuel-era technolo- gies are vital sources of climate innovation – rooted in adaptation, ecological stewardship and vernacular crafts- manship. These time-tested methods – developed in harmony with local ecosystems – demonstrated resilience and efficiency long before industrialization and provide critical insights for modern climate adaptation. From the thermal efficiency of ancient, rammed earth structures to the flood-resistant properties of stilt houses and passive cooling of wind catchers, traditional engineer - ing solutions demonstrate resourcefulness in address- ing environmental challenges. Studying these durable, low-impact materials and climate-responsive designs can inform modern applications that reduce emissions, enhance resilience and minimize resource depletion. Beyond simply preserving these practices, it’s crucial to actively reinterpret, integrate and mainstream them into contemporary contexts, cultivating innovation by ensuring that these practices remain dynamic and applicable. One way to do this is by improving the industry’s abil- ity to incorporate Indigenous design within both industry and design education,18 ensuring that these knowledge systems are not just referenced but actively integrated in design. This would require expanding how Indige- nous perspectives are adopted and moving beyond surface-level engagement to deep, context-driven appli- cations that reflect both physical and cultural landscapes. THE DIRIYAH GATE IN SAUDI ARABIA The Diriyah Gate project is a large-scale urban develop- ment in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia aimed at transforming the historic birthplace of the Saudi state into a global cul- tural and heritage destination. Led by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), the project emphasizes the preservation and revival of Najdi architectural tra - ditions, integrating traditional building techniques with modern sustainability principles. This is guided by the establishment of a dedicated Najdi Traditional Material facility to provide workforce training and a large-scale, traditionally rooted materials supply. Traditional tech- niques include rammed earth construction, adobe and mud-brick walls, palm trunk beams and timber roofing, and local limestone and earth plaster finishes. The mate- rials (which are locally sourced and thermally efficient) and the eco-friendly building techniques that result in passive cooling contribute to sustainability and lower energy consumption while honouring local heritage. Read more in the Alliance’s At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace District Innovative Practice case study. 65Diriyah Company