Europan Germany

E18: Topic

The E18 competition “Re-sourcing – A New Perspective on the Existing” asks how we can tackle climate change and man-made social, economic and cultural inequalities in the urbanized spaces of our cities and municipalities with innovative and integrative projects and new planning processes.

The aim of the competition is to develop ideas for neglected, derelict, empty, stigmatized or monofunctional urban spaces that can transform them back into vibrant, integrative and mixed urban spaces.

As the built environment is already a source of existing material and space, it is important to develop concepts for the redesign of existing buildings and areas that are based on the strategy of the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Reduce: Reduction of new construction. Reuse: Reuse of already built spaces and materials. Recycle: Use of bio-based materials (earth, stone, fibers), anticipation of deconstruction and reference to local building culture and materials. In this way, the conservation of natural resources in existing buildings can be promoted.