Speaker
Description
The transition to a climate-neutral building stock by 2045 is a pressing objective for the architectural and construction sectors. This research examines the decision-making processes surrounding the renovation, roof extension, and potential demolition of post-war residential buildings in Germany, with a focus on the architect’s role in integrating environmental and climate considerations into the planning process. By employing qualitative methods—notably expert interviews and qualitative content analysis—the research investigates the complexities and barriers to aligning construction practices with sustainability goals.
Research Context
Architectural discourse surrounding post-war buildings from the 1950s and 1960s emphasizes their potential for modernization and densification (BSW 2023, Meyer et al. 2023, BBSR 2016). These buildings, constructed prior to Germany’s first thermal insulation ordinance in 1977, exhibit low energy efficiency and limited modernization. Despite the environmental advantages of preserving and upgrading existing structures—such as reduced embodied carbon and resource conservation—demolition and new construction often dominate decision-making. Current processes are fragmented and inefficient, impeded by uncertainties in cost estimation, technical feasibility, and stakeholder alignment. These challenges underscore the urgent need for systematic, climate-neutral approaches to managing existing building stocks.
Research Objectives
This research is part of a broader doctoral study that addresses the central question: How can decision-making processes for managing post-war building stocks be optimized to achieve climate neutrality effectively and efficiently? While the overarching research encompasses various aspects of decision-making, this paper specifically focuses on one critical element: the role of architects in influencing and guiding these processes. The study explores the following research sub-question:
• What role do architects play in influencing and guiding decision-making processes towards sustainable and climate-conscious outcomes?
While substantial literature exists on technical retrofitting and energy efficiency, limited empirical research explores the practicalities of decision-making, particularly how stakeholders interact and navigate trade-offs among competing priorities. This study bridges that gap, offering actionable insights into the mechanisms underpinning these processes.
Methodology
The research adopts a qualitative approach, combining expert interviews and content analysis to explore:
• Stakeholder Dynamics: Identifying the roles and influences of property owners, architects, and specialist planners.
• Process Challenges: Analyzing critical decision phases and disruptions, including late technical investigations and conflicting priorities.
• Sustainability Integration: Assessing how sustainability dimensions—embodied energy, resource efficiency, and climate neutrality—are embedded in decision-making frameworks.
Theoretical Assumptions
The absence of structured frameworks for evaluating renovation, extension, or demolition options hinders effective decision-making in architectural planning. Early involvement of specialized planners is essential to mitigate inefficiencies and manage costs. While sustainability is emphasized in political and social discourse, economic and technical constraints frequently overshadow these goals. Architects, as pivotal actors, can profoundly influence sustainability outcomes through their advisory and design roles. However, their potential impact is often constrained by fragmented workflows and unclear stakeholder responsibilities.
Conclusion
Optimizing decision-making for post-war building stocks is crucial to achieving climate neutrality by 2045. Prioritizing renovation and roof extensions over demolition aligns with sustainability goals by reducing embodied carbon and conserving resources. This research contributes a framework for managing Germany’s post-war architecture, advocating interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative planning as transformative actions in addressing climate and environmental challenges By highlighting the pivotal role of architects in sustainable urban transformation, this study emphasizes the importance of planning as a proactive response to the planetary crisis.
This paper aligns with the thematic emphasis on sustainable cities and climate action, illustrating the transformative role of planning in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
References
BSW – Behörde für Stadtentwicklung und Wohnen (2023) Umsetzungsorientierte Machbarkeitsstudie zur Erreichung der Klimaschutzziele im Bereich der Wohngebäude in Hamburg. Ergebnisbericht der projektbeteiligten Gutachterinnen und Gutachter. Behörde für Stadtentwicklung und Wohnen, Hamburg.
Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) im Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung (BBR) (2016) Potenziale und Rahmenbedingungen von Dachaufstockungen und Dachausbauten. BBSR-Online-Publikation Nr. 08/2016, Bonn.
Meyer, K. and Klotz, P.-M. (2023) Aufstockungen auf Siedlungsbauten der 1950er- und 1960er-Jahre – Eine Potenzialanalyse am Fallbeispiel Hamburger Wohnungsgenossenschaftsbauten. Bautechnik.
| Keywords | Climate Neutrality; Post-War Buildings; Architects' Role; Sustainable Transformation; Decision-Making Processes |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
