Lecture & Discussion
Power to Renovation
How Can a Shift in Approach to Building Be Successful in Vienna, Austria and Europe?
House Europe! is promoting new EU laws to counter speculation-driven demolitions.
© Photograph: HouseEurope!
As of today, 25% of buildings in Europe have been renovated. The annual renovation rate of 1% would have to triple in order to achieve the European climate targets for 2050. But building laws are still designed for new buildings. How can the refurbishment and the reuse of existing buildings become the new norm?
The European citizens’ initiative HouseEurope! is calling for new EU laws that promote refurbishment and conversion, and prevent speculation-driven demolitions. The ultimate goal is to make refurbishment easier, cheaper and more socially responsible. In her presentation, Verena Konrad provides insights into the campaign and the potential of tools for direct democracy.
How can we create a framework for the utilisation of existing buildings at state, federal and EU level? The focus for the evening is on the renovation project as a collective project where political, legal, economic and architectural solutions to planetary challenges must be found.
Lecture: Renovate, Don’t Speculate, Verena Konrad, Director of vai, Embassador for House Europe! Austria
Discussion also with: Nicole Büchl, head of the renovation department, wohnfonds_wien; Christine Dornaus, executive director of BIG; Daniel Fügenschuh, President of the Bundeskammer der ZiviltechnikerInnen; Magdalena Lang, Chair and Speaker, IG Architektur
Moderator: Lene Benz, Az W