In mid-April, we traveled to Prague for a conference titled "European Bauhaus: Activate!" The aim was to assess the current efforts of this European initiative in the Czech Republic and focus on future prospects. Additionally, this concept is part of the Re-Value project, in which we are involved.
The Institute of Planning and Development of the City of Prague, in collaboration with other partners, presented the concept of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) in greater detail. The event took place on April 15, 2024, and was divided into two blocks. NEB is a creative initiative that integrates science with technology, art, culture, and social inclusion, enabling design to find solutions to common problems. This project aims to transform the areas where we live, focusing on environmental, economic, and cultural aspects.
During the morning session, several foreign guests presented their ideas. Sven Buch from Denmark proposed the project "From Isolation to Inclusion," aimed at transforming previously neglected urban spaces in the city of Aalborg. Thomas Bourdaud from France introduced the audience to the plan of the non-profit organization Plateau Urbain to utilize temporarily vacant buildings. This was followed by information about specific events organized by the City Hall of Prague.
In the afternoon, representatives of companies and associations presented specific and interesting projects in line with the principles of NEB. The subsequent panel discussion concluded with the topic of transforming brownfields and other unattractive areas into functional and aesthetically pleasing places accessible to all.
NEB embodies the innovative lifestyle of today's world and its current challenges. Its essence lies in the idea that every novelty, every innovation should not only be functional but also sustainable, accessible to society, and naturally aesthetically appealing. We have found that in many areas, the New European Bauhaus is not sufficiently known, thus it is essential to improve communication, education, and information distribution.
The source of the photographs: IPR Prague, Ivan Němec