Renovation – YES! Demolition – NO!
The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) is proud to announce that it, together with the Architects Climate Action Network Netherlands (ACAN NL) and the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture (AvBA), will become the official partners of HouseEurope! in the Netherlands. This European initiative promotes renovation as the new standard and as an alternative to the destructive demolition and new-build culture. This collaboration fits perfectly with the IABR’s core values of sustainability, social justice, and the creation of a future-proof living environment; with the development of the Climate Curriculum, an extension of the (R)evolution Planet program, at AvBA; and with ACAN NL’s three key objectives: Decarbonize Now, Ecological Regeneration and Cultural Transformation.
Renovation as the New Standard
HouseEurope! sends a clear message: Renovation - YES! Demolition - NO! Across Europe, we are on track to demolish a staggering 2 billion square meters of built environment by 2050 – equivalent to half of Germany’s building stock. This represents an enormous waste of materials and energy, while many of these buildings are perfectly suited for renovation and reuse. Renovation is not only better in a carbon context, reducing CO₂ emissions by 20 to 50 percent compared with demolition and new construction, but also more cost-effective, offering savings of 10 to 30 percent while maintaining quality.
Choosing renovation over demolition results in:
- Less housing displacement: Tenants are forced to move, and new housing is often unaffordable for the original residents.
- Fewer job losses: Local architecture offices and construction companies are overlooked in favor of (large) new development projects and international investors.
- Reduced energy waste: The construction sector is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions and climate change.
- Preservation of cultural heritage: Buildings with historical and cultural significance remain part of the urban landscape.
Action at the European Level
HouseEurope! has launched the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to put renovation and adaptation before demolition and new construction. This tool of direct democracy allows EU citizens to influence new legislation. If 1 million citizens from at least seven countries support the initiative, the European Commission will be obliged to consider it. This creates an opportunity to bring about fundamental changes in the construction sector.
Join Us!
The IABR urges everyone to support this initiative. Sign the petition, subscribe to the HouseEurope! newsletter and spread the word. Together we can shape the future of our built environment in a way that respects people, communities, and the planet.
A Vision Shared by the IABR, ACAN NL and AvBA
The IABR strongly believes that architecture and environmental planning are key to the transition to a more sustainable and equitable society. Supporting HouseEurope! is in line with the IABR’s commitment to challenge the construction sector to adopt circular and regenerative solutions. Together with ACAN NL and AvBA, we want to raise awareness among policymakers, architects, students, employers, municipalities, construction companies, and citizens about the importance of valuing and reusing existing buildings whenever possible.
For more information, visit www.bouwkunst.ahk.nl, and www.houseeurope.eu
Missions
International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR)
Architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design play crucial, leading, and connecting roles in addressing the social challenges and spatial consequences of a rapidly changing world and climate. From water management and energy transition to housing demand, CO₂ reduction, and food security, these are fundamentally spatial issues, both in the Netherlands and globally. Since its first edition in 2003, the IABR has championed research by design as a crucial tool for addressing these challenges. At its core, the IABR remains committed to promoting healthy, equitable cities and ecosystems.
Architects Climate Action Network Netherlands (ACAN NL)
ACAN NL is a network of built environment professionals committed to action on the climate and biodiversity crises and climate justice. Its work is driven by three overarching goals: Decarbonize Now, Ecological Regeneration and Cultural Transformation. It is guided by values of radical honesty, transparency, care, and solidarity with those on the frontlines of climate action. The HouseEurope! initiative aligns with all of its goals, and ACAN NL fully supports a successful outcome.
Amsterdam Academy of Architecture (AvBA)
The Amsterdam Academy of Architecture is an internationally oriented education and research institute that prepares students for international careers in architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture. The AvBA’s Climate Curriculum embraces a new way of teaching and learning that advocates nature-positive, regenerative, and equitable design in all aspects of its education and research program. The Climate Curriculum represents AvBA’s commitment to innovate, experiment with, and refine educational formats that are intended to teach spatial design as a tool that recognizes the systemic challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social crises.
