#42 Nikolaj Schultz: On The Ecological Class Struggle

The discussion will take as its starting point the lecture (April 14, 2026) by sociologist Nikolaj Schultz in the Prechtlsaal at TU Wien, which views the profound ecological transformations of our time as an opportunity to reexamine established patterns of thought and action. Hosted and moderated by Susann Ahn and Ariane Sept, they will discuss with the audience the significance of socio-ecological perspectives for urban development, planning, and academic practice.

Susann Ahn is an architect and scholar. Her research spans architecture, urbanism, and transdisciplinary transformation processes, with a particular focus on socio-ecological issues, cooperative planning approaches, and the future of urban spaces.

Nikolaj Schultz (DK), sociologist, Dr. phil., and assistant professor of social theory and ecological thought at the Aarhus School of Architecture, is one of the leading figures of his generation in the social sciences. In his work, he explores the intersection of sociology, existentialism, politics, and the climate crisis. Schultz was a close collaborator of the late French philosopher Bruno Latour (1947–2022), with whom he co-authored the book On the Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo (2022), which has been translated into 16 languages. The book calls for the creation of a political class focused on ensuring the planet’s habitability.

Ariane Sept is an urban and regional sociologist and professor of spatial development and transformation processes. Her research focuses on social change, sustainable urban development, and the role of participation, experimentation, and real-world laboratories in shaping livable cities.

This podcast is broadcast in English and consists of two parts. (Part 1/2)

Podcast Credits

Episode #42

Concept and Hosts: Susann Ahn, Ariane Sept, Madlyn Miessgang

Recording, Audio, and Editing: Madlyn Miessgang and Nico Schleicher

ZUKUNFT STADT Podcast Production: Lukas Bast, Larissa Benk, Lisa-Marie Kramer, Lena Hohenkamp, Madlyn Miessgang, and Nico Schleicher

Intro Music: Jakob Kotal

The ZUKUNFT STADT podcast is a project of the Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Planning at TU Wien. It is produced in collaboration between future.lab and the Local Spatial Planning Research Group at TU Wien.