New European Bauhaus now has 5 lighthouse demonstrators

These will be spread across 11 EU countries and will serve to support the EU Missions

Last week, the European Commission announced its selection of 5 large-scale projects, which are meant to serve as “lighthouse demonstrators” in the integration of New European Bauhaus values to the wider public. The winners will split 25 million euros in grants, which are currently being negotiated to finalize the agreements.

The five shortlisted projects will receive funding of approximately €5 million each to implement their plans in 11 Member States (Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, and Portugal), as well as in Norway and Turkey. They will deal with topics such as building renovation, circularity, arts, cultural heritage, education, smart cities, urban and rural regeneration and more.

Stepping stones to popularize the movement

The projects will contribute innovative ideas and solutions within two years' time, helping to point the way forward for other NEB actions. As they are spread across Europe, the projects will provide a diversity of results that can be adapted and replicated in similar activities and demonstrators in Europe and beyond, helping to inspire future initiatives.

Here is a description of the five projects:

• CULTUURCAMPUS (A sustainable hub of arts, research, learning and community as catalyst): through blending education, research, policy, and culture, and considering the lived experiences of its residents, Cultuurcampus aims to transform the disadvantaged urban area of Rotterdam South (Netherlands). It will be located in a historical building and will act as a hub for different groups and activities;
• NEB-STAR (New European Bauhaus STAvangeR): NEB-STAR will showcase how territorial transformation plans can incorporate the principles and values of the NEB in Stavanger (Norway), Prague (Czechia) and Utrecht (Netherlands). The project will tackle four emblematic challenges linked to climate-neutral cities, all considering local needs and concerns through co-creation with residents and stakeholders;
• NEBourhoods: This one prepares Munich-Neuperlach (Germany) for the future as mapped out by the European Green Deal in terms of the built environment, circularity, mobility, energy, food, and health. The project will build on the area's strengths – a strong sense of community, vast green areas, and large-scale housing, even if in need of renovation. It will also address its weaknesses – higher than average unemployment and lower than average education levels;
• DESIRE (Designing the Irresistible Circular Society): The project wants to tackle the major challenges faced by societies and cities: climate change, biodiversity loss and resource challenges. Based on three main themes of inclusivity, circularity and reconciling cities with nature, it will use art, architecture, and design to explore alternative ways of transforming territories across different European cities (Denmark, Netherlands, Slovenia, Italy, Latvia).
• EHHUR (EYES HEARTS HANDS Urban Revolution): The project supports cities and vulnerable residents in transforming their built environment. Spread across seven different locations in the EU and Associated Countries (Denmark, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, Italy), it will seek to tackle socio-economic and cultural challenges such as social segregation, energy poverty, and degradation of depopulated historical centres.

The projects will also contribute to the EU Missions. The Missions share much in common with the NEB, with both initiatives aiming to tackle major challenges in health, climate and environment through closer engagement with citizens, and harnessing the power of research and innovation.