Thomas Coldefy, Isabel Van Haute, Zoltán Neville
Architects
July-August 2025
- Architecture
- Chicago
“During our residency in Miami and Chicago, as Architects and Urbanists we aim to explore greenspace integration in urban environments, addressing equity, affordability, cultural diversity, and climate resilience, while collaborating with urban planners, community leaders, and environmental advocates.“
We are Coldefy, an international architecture studio driven by innovation and sustainability. Founded in 2006 by Thomas Coldefy and Isabel Van Haute, we integrate natural elements into urban environments to address contemporary challenges. We are also proud to include partner Zoltán Neville, who brings extensive expertise in international projects and collaborative design processes.
For over 20 years, our projects have consistently looked to push the boundaries of integrating natural spaces into the built environment. For example, our recently completed Fondation de Chine student dormitory in Paris features a green roof and a walking track around an open courtyard, providing peaceful moments amidst the bustling urban environment. Our design for the Pulse National Memorial in Orlando utilizes a garden to create a healing space for the community. The European Parliament building in Brussels includes a publicly accessible greenhouse on the rooftop, symbolizing the diversity and unity of the EU.
Our significant projects include the Hong Kong Design Institute, which embodies our commitment to combining functionality with aesthetic and environmental considerations.
Our philosophy is deeply rooted in enhancing the well-being of users and contributing positively to the environment. We draw inspiration from the site and context of each project, ensuring that our designs are innovative and respectful of their surroundings. Our projects span various sectors, including education, culture, sports, housing, and urban design.
During our residency, we aim to research greenspace integration in urban environments, exploring how these spaces can address issues such as housing equity, affordability, cultural diversity, and climate resilience. We look forward to engaging with urban planners, community leaders, and environmental advocates to gather insights and foster collaboration.
Coldefy is an international architecture studio founded in 2006 by Thomas Coldefy and Isabel Van Haute. Known for integrating natural elements into urban environments, they have been selected to design notable projects such as the Hong Kong Design Institute in Hong Kong, the Fondation de Chine in Paris, and the French Pavilion for Expo 2025 in Osaka. Their work emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and enhancing user well-being. Additionally, partner Zoltán Neville brings expertise in international projects, expanding the firm’s global reach.
Coldefy has received numerous accolades, including the International Architecture Award, the European Prize for Architecture, and an AIA Honor Award. In 2022, Thomas Coldefy was appointed Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture, recognizing his contribution to the artistic influence of France.
Our project for the Villa, titled “Green DiverCity: Greenspace Integration Strategies for Equity, Affordability, and Cultural Multiplicity,” explores the potential of productive and performative greenspaces in various urban centers to address current and future urban challenges.
This project aims to establish a comprehensive framework for applying these themes. We will systematically analyze how these concepts can be applied to resolve pressing issues such as cultural diversity, neighborhood identity, gentrification, displacement, affordability, health, and climate resilience.
Our study will be conducted over three months in three distinct cities: Lille Metropole, Miami, and Chicago, each with unique urban and climatic characteristics. It will consist of three phases: analysis, experimentation, and comparison. During the analysis phase, we will examine each context to identify existing problems and potential opportunities. The experimentation phase will involve developing speculative design scenarios for situations with the greatest potential for positive change. Finally, the comparison phase will identify patterns and differences in various urban and climatic conditions.
Inspired by Bruno Latour’s critique of the nature-culture divide, we will deepen our theoretical framework to better understand the relationship between the natural and built environments. We aim to present our findings at the Chicago Biennale and through cultural platforms in Europe, such as the Venice Biennale. Our goal is to create a comprehensive guide for urban planners, developers, and architects, leveraging green urban interventions to promote cultural diversity and address urban challenges.
To sum up, this project aims to benefit all stakeholders by utilizing green urban interventions to tackle urbanization challenges and promote cultural diversity.
We have chosen to undertake this project in the United States, specifically focusing on Miami and Chicago, to complement our work in Lille Metropole, for several compelling reasons. The U.S. offers a rich diversity of urban environments, from Miami’s sprawling metropolis, known as the “epicenter of the Americas,” to Chicago’s industrially developed areas, the birthplace of the modern high-rise. This diversity allows us to explore and implement greenspace integration strategies across varied urban contexts.
The global significance of the U.S. in urban development is undeniable. The nation faces challenges related to housing equity, affordability, cultural diversity, and climate resilience, making it an ideal testing ground for our research. Solutions developed here can serve as blueprints for urban centers worldwide.
Our prior professional experience in these regions equips us with background knowledge and established relationships, facilitating collaborative dialogues with key stakeholders, including local authorities, community organizations, and academic institutions. These partnerships provide valuable insights and resources, advancing our research objectives effectively.
The cultural and environmental diversity of Lille Metropole, Miami, and Chicago aligns harmoniously with our research goals. Lille’s historical significance, Miami’s tropical climate, and Chicago’s industrial heritage present distinct challenges and opportunities for greenspace integration.
Coordinating our research with the Chicago Architecture Biennale offers an ideal platform to showcase our findings and engage with a global audience, amplifying the impact of our work.
Our project aims to bridge transatlantic perspectives, fostering collaboration between European and American cities. This cross-cultural exchange enriches our research, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of urban challenges and solutions on a global scale.
We intend to meet urban planners, community leaders, and environmental advocates, and visit urban greenspaces, community gardens, and public parks to gather diverse insights and foster interdisciplinary cooperation.