The projects in the first issue of our “Weiterbauen” series, which consists of three issues in total, are examples of what we consider to be particularly successful extensions. This topic is of enormous importance, especially in growing metropolitan areas, as adding storeys is often the only way to increase density. At the same time, there is an abundance of unused roof space. The aim here is to find constructive and creative ways of putting these attractive building sites to good use in the future. Read more in the editorial by editor-in-chief Fabian Peters.
Building up in the face of climate change
I often hear this in conversations with architects at the moment: Quite a few are feeling something that could perhaps be described as “new-build shame” in analogy to the much-cited “flight shame”. It is hardly surprising that the enormous contribution that the construction industry makes to global CO2 emissions weighs heavily on the discipline. After all, most architects aspire to make a positive contribution to society, to take responsibility and to treat it with care. This self-image has led to an enormous interest in sustainable construction methods. The first results of this change in awareness are now gradually becoming visible. At the same time, however, the realization is spreading that renewable and recyclable building materials can only be a small part of the solution. The greatest contribution to climate protection will have to be made not by building differently, but by not building anew.
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Conversion culture in architecture – and politics
We are currently experiencing a time-lapse reorientation of architecture – at least in theory. Parallel to our “Weiterbauen” series, the German Architecture Museum is showing the exhibition “Nichts Neues – Besser Bauen mit Bestand” (see p. 84), and the BDA’s traveling exhibition “Sorge um den Bestand” has been touring Germany for some time now (see Baumeister2/2021). And the 2022/2023 Baukultur Report by the Federal Foundation for Baukultur is also entitled “Umbaukultur” (see p. 88). I can only hope that all these efforts will also fall on more fertile ground outside the profession than Muck Petzet’s still remarkable contribution to the Architecture Biennale in Venice in 2012. Many of the demands made ten years ago are more urgent than ever (see interview on p. 10). This makes it all the more necessary for them to finally be translated into political action.
The magazine is available in our online store: B11 “Weiterbauen”: Building on
Find out more about the series: Building on
In our October issue, we looked at building envelopes and asked ourselves about sustainable façade solutions: The skin of the house.