NRP 81 taking shape

The National Research Programme on Baukultur (NRP 81) is taking shape: Around 80 people from 13 research teams met with the Steering committee for an initial exchange in Thun on 13 and 14 May. It became clear that, despite the various issues and approaches, everyone is pulling in the same direction and sees themselves as part of a community. An inspiring spirit of optimism was apparent throughout the two days: Finally, it’s happening!

The broad diversity of projects became apparent right from the start of the kick-off meeting when the teams presented their projects in short presentations. NRP 81 brings together a broad base of stakeholders from various fields, with over 130 people involved, including 45 practice partners. The first day concluded with two lively presentations by Dr. Raphael Lanz, Mayor of Thun, and City Architect Florian Kühne, who impressively emphasised the importance of dialogue in Baukultur.

The second day was devoted to exploring future challenges in the field of Baukultur. The discussion was launched by Dr Oliver Martin, Head of the Baukultur Section at the Federal Office of Culture (BAK), and Prof Ivana Katurić, co-author of a handbook on the self-assessment method for the New European Bauhaus, and was then enthusiastically continued in mixed breakout sessions. The president of the Steering committee, Prof Paola Viganò, wrapped things up with a positive assessment: “I am delighted to see a group that shares a common goal forming here – we all aim to use this programme to advance the discourse on ecological and social change in built spaces.”

Profiles of the projects will soon be posted on the NRP 81 website. Alongside a short text, details of the many practice partners who play a key role in NRP 81 can also be found there.