We are a growing team of citizens that brings together diverse perspectives and expertise from the fields of architecture, labour and politics, to our initiative. Together, we are committed to creating precedents for the social-ecological transformation of how we live together.
We are building a group of ambassadors who are dedicated pioneers to advancing the social-ecological transformation. These ambassadors come from different sectors and fields, and they share our vision of a more just and sustainable future. They support our initiative and help us to raise awareness of the importance of the issues we are addressing.
Lacaton & Vassal is a French architecture practice founded by Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal. Their work is characterized by a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and livability. Their innovative approach challenges the traditional paradigm of demolition and new construction by prioritizing the activation and revitalization of underutilized urban spaces. Their work emphasizes a social and ecological approach to architecture, making them pioneers in social-ecological transformation. Their focus on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings prioritizes the needs of the occupants and the environment over aesthetics. They have won numerous awards for their work, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize – the Nobel Prize of architecture – in 2021.
Herzog & de Meuron is an international architectural practice founded by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. For over 40 years, the practice based in Basel, Switzerland, has challenged ideas of what architecture can be. The topics they tackle shape the sustainability discourse in the architectural field to help address the problems at hand: climate emergency and species extinction, energy crisis and the waste of resources, along with countless social struggles. Their approach to sustainable architecture is adapted to local conditions, involves renovation, adaptive reuse and retrofitting, uses renewable and durable materials, and is able to be repurposed. It draws from what already exists and extends the social fabric rather than overwriting it, creating value that goes beyond the given task and site. Projects they have designed transform cities, and include Tate Modern, Elbphilharmonie and CaixaForum Madrid. In 2001, Herzog & de Meuron were awarded the Pritzker Prize.
We are actively seeking partners who can join us in our mission to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and gather support for HouseEurope! initiative. We are particularly interested in collaborating with organizations and individuals who can contribute their resources and expertise in effectively communicating the importance of our cause. Our ideal partners would provide their platforms and networks to host meaningful conversations, engaging both members and the wider public in discussions about the transformative potential of adaptive reuse and the value of preserving existing buildings. Together, we can amplify our message and gather the necessary signatures to drive real change in the building sector.
ACE (Architects' Council of Europe) is an organization that represents the architectural profession in Europe, promoting high standards in practice, education, and ethics. It provides a platform for collaboration among architectural associations and institutes across the continent, working towards harmonization of qualifications and professional standards. Through its initiatives, the ACE advocates for the role of architects in shaping the built environment and addressing societal challenges.
We are a growing team of citizens that brings together diverse perspectives and expertise from the fields of architecture, labour and politics, to our initiative. Together, we are committed to creating precedents for the social-ecological transformation of how we live together.
Advisors
Carsten Berg, Daniel Häni, Verena Konrad, Barbara Metz, Silke Neumann, Ruth Schagemann
Campaign Manager
Alina Kolar
Concept Idea
b+ (bplus.xyz; Arno Brandlhuber, Olaf Grawert, Jonas Janke, Roberta Jurčić, Jolene Lee)
Initiators
Arno Brandlhuber, Olaf Grawert
Organisers
s+ (station.plus, Department for Architecture, ETH Zurich; Giacomo Ardesio, Arno Brandlhuber, Olaf Grawert, Ludwig Engel, Pan Hu, Alina Kolar, Jolene Lee, Bing Liu, Meghan Rolvien)
Research Team
Franziska Gödicke, Verena Jehle, Maximilian Lewark, Josiane Schmidt, Alexander Throm
Strategists
Ludwig Engel, Quentin Walesch
Video Production
s+ (Severin Bärenbold, Anton Krebs, Pan Hu, Bing Liu)
(Web) Design and Programming
The Laboratory of Manuel Bürger and Systemantics