Offering Experience – Driving Progress
The story of my life-long career in architecture can be told in three chapters: architectural practice, advocacy for the profession, and service to society. While my time is now spent working on issues instead of projects, my focus remains unchanged. Architects are obligated to create healthy, just, prosperous, and inspiring places that resolve intransigent social, economic, and environmental problems. While climate change is the most urgent, the 21st century will be shaped by humanity’s response to three global agendas: the climate, justice, and urban imperatives.
Coming in April 2025 from Island Press
a new book by Carl Elefante:
Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future
Today, climate change is driving a retooling of everything to eliminate greenhouse gas pollution. It amounts to a massive undertaking that has the power – and obligation – to address other intransigent threats to peace and prosperity. This urgent agenda for change coincides with the rapid urbanization of global population.
The 21st century is being shaped by the interlocking challenges of the climate, justice, and urban imperatives. The work of architects, and the countless others who design, build, and operate the built environment, has never had greater relevance. But far too many of the accepted approaches to resolving today’s challenges are tethered to the same ideas and practices that created them. Our quest for solutions is constrained by modern-era biases.
Going for Zero offers a decidedly alternative viewpoint informed by Carl Elefante’s career prioritizing the stewardship of existing buildings and applying the lessons embedded in built heritage. It presents a path forward to the secure, just, abundant, and resilient urban future humanity demands.
“Architects always meld art and science, but only some are bold enough to meld art, science, and people – Carl Elefante is a leader of that select group. His extraordinary book is a book for everyone, and especially anyone ready to move us away from destruction to a new path.”
Mindy Thompson Fullilove, MD, DLFAPA, Hon. AIA, author of Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts America and What We Can Do About It
“Going for Zero is a powerful call-to-action for architects and urban planners. Drawing on decades of experience, Elefante offers a unique perspective and a clear vision: by revitalizing communities and optimizing existing resources, we can heal our planet and create resilient and vibrant neighborhoods. He provides a practical roadmap for urban transformation through strategic restoration and renewal. Essential reading for those shaping our built environment.”
Edward Mazria, FAIA, FRAIC, founder of Architecture 2030 and recipient of the 2021 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal
“With vivid examples from all over the world, Carl Elefante makes a forceful case for the need for architects, preservationists, and city leaders to take urgently needed climate action. He calls for significant changes to the construction industry, building design, and land settlement patterns that will ensure a more just and sustainable future.”
Sara Bronin, professor at Cornell University and author of Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World
