Example: Neuperlach. The Munich district was built in the 1960s. Its appearance is dominated by high-rise buildings, concrete and the doctrine of the “car-friendly city”. Today, around 50,000 people live in Neuperlach, and many buildings and open spaces are in need of renovation. Unemployment is high and the level of education is below average.
These challenges are not new to Europe; many urban centres in the EU are struggling with similar problems. Now the European Commission has proclaimed Neuperlach as a lighthouse project for the New European Bauhaus.
Munich’s Neuperlach district becomes a lighthouse project
Because Neuperlach should not stay as it is. Munich plans to transform the neighbourhood into a “city of the future”: including with ten individual schemes from all urban development spheres, ranging from circular construction and renewable energy to youth culture in the public realm. In the process, Bavaria’s state capital is engaging local people together with cultural and creative practitioners. It also intends to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and action, especially in population groups that have had little access to these so far.
The concept impressed the European Commission and the scheme was funded in May 2022 as one of five lighthouse projects that will act as demonstrators as part of the New European Bauhaus initiative. The EU Commission is allocating five million euros.
Sustainability, design, overcoming social boundaries
Munich is not the only European city applying for funding. In 2023, the New European Bauhaus initiative is launching the next bidding round. New funding opportunities for a wide variety of projects are now available and waiting for applicants. Projects with the best chances for success are those that make neighbourhoods fit for the future in regard to a wide range of aspects:
- Sustainability, climate neutrality and harmony with nature
- Aesthetics and design
- Inclusion and overcoming social barriers
- Inspiration through art and culture beyond pure functionality
- Encouraging dialogue and discussion across cultures, disciplines, genders and generations.