THE NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS
Delivering ON the green deal FOR EUROPE
5 MINUTE READ. PUBLISHED 6 APR 2024.
CREATIVE COMMONS CC BY ELECTRO STRATEGY STUDIO. WRITTEN BY ADRIAN JARVIS.
IMAGE: Chuttersnap via Unsplash
What is the New European Bauhaus?
The New European Bauhaus (also initialised as NEB) was launched by the European Commission in 2020. It is an interdisciplinary initiative to help deliver the European Green Deal.
The aim is to create a greener and fairer way of life through architecture, design and the arts. Blending science, technology, craft, and culture to find better solutions for the future.
NEB projects aim to deliver on three basic principles:
Aesthetically BEAUTIFUL
SUSTAINABLE to the environment
TOGETHER, inclusive of all citizens
How is the NEW ‘BAUHAUS’ inspired by the original movement?
Much like the original Bauhaus in Germany in the early 20th century — which connected art, craft, and technology to reimagine the design — the New European Bauhaus aims to integrate diverse fields that can innovate for sustainability.
It is focused on the foundational idea of breaking down silos between disciplines to tackle our biggest challenges for the future.
Who is involved in the initiative?
A wide range of stakeholders are involved, including architects, artists, designers, engineers, scientists, companies, NGOs, policymakers, activists, and the public. It encourages collaboration across sectors and disciplines — to bring about more connected and innovative ideas.
What kind of projects ARE BEING supported?
Green spaces
Urban regeneration
Rural development
Innovative living
Sustainable materials
Revitalising public spaces
Energy-efficient buildings
HOW ARE THE PROJECTS SUPPORTED?
Pilot projects and prototyping
Annual awards that recognise and celebrate concepts
Education and training
Community building and engagement
Policy development
International partnerships
Innovation hubs
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT LIGHTHOUSE PROJECTS BEING DELIVERED?
There is a progress report with a number of NEB ‘lighthouse’ projects:
CULTUURCAMPUS in Rotterdam, Netherlands, aims to transform a disadvantaged urban area into a sustainable hub of arts, research, learning, and community engagement, utilizing an historical building as a central hub.
NEB-STAR (New European Bauhaus STAvangeR) encompasses projects in Stavanger (Norway), Prague (Czechia), and Utrecht (Netherlands). It focuses on incorporating NEB principles into transformation plans through co-creation with local communities.
NEBhourhoods prepares Munich-Neuperlach, Germany, for a sustainable future. Addressing the key challenges of the community, such as unemployment and education. This includes areas such as the built environment, circularity, mobility, energy, food, and health.
DESIRE (Designing the Irresistible Circular Society) operates across Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Italy, and Latvia. This project explores inclusivity, circularity, and the reconciliation of cities. Key approaches are art, architecture, and design.
EHHUR (EYES HEARTS HANDS Urban Revolution) is spread across Denmark, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, and Italy. It supports cities and residents in transforming their built environment. The aim is to tackle challenges such as social segregation and energy poverty.
What are the challenges THAT IT faces?
Different priorities and politics across member states
Wide-ranging and meaningful participation from diverse communities
Balancing technological innovation with sustainability and aesthetics
Agreeing and securing sufficient funding for ambitious projects
Measuring the impact of activities that may take many years / decades
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAIN CRITICISMS?
Vagueness to goals and approach
Citizen accessibility and affordability
Implementation challenges
Geographical imbalance across EU
Effective stakeholder engagement
Limited environmental scope
Compatibility with existing infrastructure
Solutions that don’t address root causes
How does IT contribute to the European Green Deal?
By emphasising sustainable design, construction, energy, and materials, the New European Bauhaus directly contributes to Europe achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Making sustainability attractive and accessible to all, and accelerating the green transition.
How is the New European Bauhaus funded?
Horizon Europe
NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan
The European Regional Development Fund
Private investment and philanthropic contributions
What is the future of the INITIATIVE?
The future of the New European Bauhaus looks promising, though requires continued collaboration, innovation, and commitment from a wide range of stakeholders. Global dynamics continue to make agreement and funding challenging, especially for long-term transformative projects.
As NEB gains momentum, it aims to become a leading model for sustainable living and design — influencing policies and practices around the world.
WHERE ARE Some SOURCES TO READ MORE?
The New European Bauhaus / NEB Lab
Dark Matter Labs, Designing Our Futures