The new bauhaus?

Construction is becoming increasingly future-proof. Last week it was announced that the cabinet is allocating half a billion for electric trucks (Parool), New precast concrete promises 35% lower CO₂ emissions during production (FD) and in the EU has developed a renovation plan (Trouw) for energy-intensive buildings. These kinds of initiatives are not only necessary, they are and are becoming increasingly important. in tenders where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, as discussed in the FD. Some cities such as The municipality of Amsterdam sets even stricter requirements than the national government (Real Estate Journal). Trade associations responded critically.

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President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated yesterday in the Parool that a new architectural style is needed to meet the challenges of our time. She speaks of a new Bauhaus movement, and Toekomstbestendig Bouwen fully endorses this.

By combining art and functionality, Bauhaus helped shape the social and economic transition to an industrial society. A hundred years later, we face new global challenges: climate change, pollution, digitalization, and a demographic explosion. Simultaneously, we experience seemingly limitless economic growth, which comes at the expense of our well-being, our planet, and our limited natural resources.

And it's crucial now. Demand for housing is growing. In Rotterdam, it was the VVD's main election promise: build lots of homes. Tara Lewis argues in the NRC for "the right kind," and cites several examples of how the city can become healthier with the right type of housing. The choice of building materials is not mentioned here. A missed opportunity, because social housing also deserves to be built with the best building materials and the best possible applications.

PS.

Still looking for a good book for the weekend? Thinking in Systems teaches you to think in complex systems and then helps you understand where in a system an intervention has the greatest chance of success. this article from the Correspondent provides Thalia Verkade with some quick insights into systems thinking, an important part of the transition to a more future-proof construction.