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Future Dialogue Part 4 - Preserving and Transforming Existing Building Stock - Professor Jurek Brüggen - Burgenlandkreis Citizens' InitiativeHow can we make use of what already exists instead of constantly building anew? How can we create new living spaces in rural areas and shrinking cities without sealing more land or demolishing valuable building stock? These questions are at the heart of Professor Jurek Brüggen’s lecture as part of the Future Dialogue of the Burgenlandkreis Citizens' Initiative on June 25, 2025. His answer: creative and forward-looking concepts for the conversion and transformation of existing buildings – ecologically, socially, and economically sensible. In his lecture (see video), Brüggen presents two impressive examples of how innovative thinking can turn old into new – without the wrecking ball. Project 1: From Panel Building to Terraced House – “The Single-Family House” in StendalAn unremarkable WBS70 panel building in Stendal stands empty – like many other buildings in the region, originally constructed for a planned nuclear power plant. Today, there is a shortage of single-family homes, while panel buildings stand vacant and are slated for demolition. An ecological and social paradox.Brüggen’s vision: Instead of simply dismantling the panel building, transform it – into individual living units with private entrances, gardens, terraces, and flexible floor plans. From a block with 80 uniform apartments, 13 individual living units are created – from mini-apartments to maisonettes with gardens on the first or second floor. This not only preserves the “grey energy” (the energy already invested in the existing building) but also creates an entirely new living experience – with privacy, open space, and diversity. Vertical “streets” within the building structure provide new entrances and connect the building to the surrounding neighborhood. The goal: New living space for less than 10 euros cold rent per square meter – made possible through conversion, funding, and smart design. And: The concept is transferable to many other panel buildings in East Germany. Project 2: Accessible Living in a Historic Long Barn – Komturei in WerbenThe second project takes us to the countryside: In the small town of Werben on the Elbe, a listed long barn on a former LPG site is being converted into accessible living units for assisted living. The concept: A fully prefabricated wooden structure is inserted into the historic shell – quickly, cost-effectively, reversibly, and with minimal interference to the existing structure.The building’s exterior remains visible, and the “traces of time” are not erased but respectfully integrated into the new use. At the same time, modern, functional, and dignified spaces are created for people with care needs – in their own community, without social uprooting. The project is developed in collaboration with the town, managed by a local foundation, and designed to be economically viable through a well-thought-out usage concept. A Model for the Future of GermanyBoth projects impressively demonstrate what is possible when we don’t rely on demolition and new construction but see existing buildings as a resource – spatially, socially, and energetically. They not only open new perspectives for rural areas and shrinking cities but also provide answers to major questions of our time:How can we build ecologically without consuming more land? How can we create affordable housing – beyond large metropolitan areas? How can we shape demographic change with architecture that enables dignified living for the elderly? Brüggen’s lecture is more than a presentation of two building projects – it is a passionate plea for responsible building within existing structures, for new forms of coexistence, and for a rethinking of urban and regional planning. The full video (above) with Professor Jurek Brüggen is not only worth watching for architects and planners – but for everyone interested in the future of living and building in Germany. Author: AI-Translation - Американский искусственный интеллект | |
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