- The state must urgently provide information to the construction businesses, the cultural community, and the mayors
- I am expecting much more funding for projects labelled Bauhaus
“Baukultur is a worldwide movement and an alliance to change the global vision of the role of building culture for the development of humanity and the world economy. The signing of the memorandum on Baukultur with the creation of an Alliance of like-minded people, which happened in Davos, is historic because it builds a new concept for the quality of construction, spatial planning and, in general, the living environment of modern man.”
This was stated by the vice-chair of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament and shadow rapporteur on the New European Bauhaus Iskra Mihailova in her first comment for Standard newspaper on the occasion of the memorandum signed during the World Economic Forum by 31 ministers from Europe, intergovernmental, international and business organisations for the creation of the Davos Baukultur Alliance.
She pointed out that the document is a continuation of the Davos Declaration of 5 years ago, which focuses on the central role of culture in urban environment.
"The new document clearly highlights the role of two industries that were less affected by the previous declaration, namely the construction industry and the real estate trade, as well as the related financial industries.
The importance of modern Baukultur comes from the fact that it covers every human activity that changes and reflects the urban environment and the culture of the construction activity, including spatial planning, architectural design, landscape planning, construction technologies and materials, integration of cultural heritage, improvement of health conditions in the urbanised environment. The benefits are economic, social, cultural, technological, and for environmental protection, the Member of European Parliament from ALDE/MRF also said.
She stipulated that designed and built modern cities and villages does not mean new cities and villages, but requires a new approach in their spatial planning, including by integrating their historical elements and creating new cultural public spaces.
Baukultur's vision is not only to build something new, but also to direct the vision, the thinking, the design and construction technologies, as well as the management of urbanised territories, in the direction of complex development that uses everything that exists, and it upgrades, modernises and builds new social environment, Mihailova said, giving an example with the area of the old port in Burgas (in Bulgaria) and the modern renovated buildings that have been transformed into hotels, galleries and art studios.
And if Baukultur is a worldwide alliance for changing the global vision of the role of building culture, then the New European Bauhaus is the first real initiative to support Baukultur’s implementation projects within the European Union. In it, the cultural heritage has its special role - from the immovable monuments of culture, archaeological excavations, and historical buildings to the collections of libraries, museums and archives", Mihailova explained.
"The memorandum from Davos on Baukultur is not far from the Bulgarian reality, and the New European Bauhaus has its future in Bulgaria, because it is a vision for a better life - for both societies and people. I expect much more serious funding on projects labelled New European Bauhaus. We are preparing the attitudes for identifying a program that will find its place in the future Multiannual financial framework, Mihailova said. She is a rapporteur in the European Parliament from the Renew Europe group on the New European Bauhaus.
Although there are already fantastic results in the other EU countries, in Bulgaria there is still a lack of information, will, desire and interest on the part of the state.
"The state owes the construction and design businesses information, support and a national vision for placing construction culture at the center of our development strategies. The efforts of branch organisations such as the Bulgarian Construction Chamber or the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria cannot compensate for the lack of a national vision," Iskra Mihailova categorically said.
According to her, the first steps that the executive power should take after the signing of the memorandum from Davos is to host meetings with academia, branch organisations and local authorities. What is needed is as much discussion and debate as possible, as well as clear rules on how structural fund projects will be labelled New European Bauhaus.
"Bulgaria has a huge resource of cultural heritage, live culture, a developed network of cultural institutes, established education in the field of culture, a high position of culture in public mindsets. We can contribute to the development of the Baukultur Alliance, and not just look around at how to make use of it. Two more elements of our modern development give us an advantage - our country benefits from serious support from the EU's Cohesion Policy and develops a stable construction industry. This gives us the opportunity to implement projects that are in the spirit of Baukultur", the MEP said.
In her words, Bulgaria’s cultural community deserves to hear that for the modern world culture is at the center of development, to express its opinion and to propose how our country can participate in the implementation of the Memorandum. "At the same time, I am pleased that the Bulgarian academic circles are ahead of the state and are already implementing projects that in their spirit and goals correspond to the New European Bauhaus and Baukultur", the MEP added, giving the Heritage BG project as an example.
Iskra Mihailova also praised the mayors from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) for being ready with projects that implement the goals of the New European Bauhaus and are in the spirit of Baukultur.
"I am very proud with them, and I do not miss to inform all my colleagues in the European Parliament about the mayors’ ideas, successes, problems and above all about the close relationship they maintain with the people, with the citizens of Bulgaria, Europe and the world. Some of the projects devised by them can easily be pilot projects for Bulgaria, for Europe and for the Baukultur vision, and I am confident that they will succeed. Whether it will be a project to integrate something into the social space of a small town, an entire archaeological Thracian complex, or it will be the construction of holiday villages using ecological materials and techniques traditional to the region, or it will be the development of a tourist destination based on preservation and exposure of the mining industry from the 1970s, or an innovative union of several municipalities to present a thousand-year-old cultural heritage in the region - each of the projects has potential," Iskra Mihailova also stated.
Here is the full text of Iskra Mihailova's interview for Standard newspaper:
- Mrs. Mihailova, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, 31 ministers of culture from Europe, intergovernmental and international organisations, as well as business representatives, signed the Memorandum on the establishment of a new coalition - Davos Baukultur Alliance. Why do they define this document as historic?
- The document is historic for several reasons – it is ambitious, complex and with a clear message about the responsibility of states, citizens, businesses, cultural institutions, civilian organisations, academic institutions, the construction industry for the construction culture of the modern world. Ambitious and complex is the entire process in Davos to build a world vision for the quality of construction, spatial planning and, in general, the living environment of modern man. Back in January 2018, heads of delegations, ministers of culture and an tremendously large and strong group of European and global organisations for the development of culture and cultural heritage adopted the Davos Declaration, which sets enormously ambitious goals for the world community regarding the central role of culture in the urban environment. The declaration conceptually defines the content of the Baukultur idea as covering any human activity that changes and affects the urbanised environment and the culture of construction, including spatial planning, architectural design, landscape planning, construction technologies and materials, integration of cultural heritage, improvement of health conditions in the urban environment. Furthermore, the 2018 Declaration emphasises the benefits of modern Baukultur for the development of society - economic, social, cultural, technological, environmental protection.
This year’s January meeting is a natural continuation of the process and upgrading of Baukultur's goals and approaches with the creation of an alliance of like-minded people and the signing of a Memorandum that reflects the changes in our society over the past 5 years.
The memorandum is ambitious - it covers a wide range of problems and possible solutions for the society from the mid-20th and the early 21st century. It emphasises the contribution of high building culture to the recovery and resilience of human society in the face of crises like climate change, limited natural resources, demographic shifts, armed conflicts and disease pandemics.
The role of two industries less affected by the 2018 Declaration – the construction industry and the real estate trade, as well as related financial industries – is clearly highlighted in the document. The Memorandum is ambitious because it includes in its scope a variety of institutions and persons who assume responsibility and can contribute to its accomplishment, and these are not only the ministers of culture, nor only international cultural organisations. These are the state administrations in their complexity and ability (or rather desire) to work in synchronisation to achieve a modern, environmentally friendly, healthy, social, and culturally united living building environment. That is why I said that the document is also complex - it demonstrates a complex approach and requires complex solutions. The creation of the Alliance of like-minded people implies the participation of the public and private sectors and the civil society. It is an informal alliance, which will be hosted by the World Economic Forum, and that is a clear message that the vision for the future of the world economy goes through the implementation of Baukultur ideas.
And just one more detail – in principle, the Davos processes place social, cultural, and emotional criteria on the same level of importance along with technological, environmental or economic standards. Since the first Davos Declaration of 2018, the Davos Baukultur Quality System has been published and distributed, and it defines the multi-layered impact of Baukultur in accordance with eight criteria: good governance, response to public needs, functionality, environmental protection, contribution to economic growth, clear connection to people's expectations/sense of place, spatial coherence, beauty, and protection of diversity. It is ambitious, and complex, and responsible to citizens and future societies. A major difference is that the new Memorandum of 2023 is much more categorically addressed to the private sector and the partnership of the public and private sectors, including construction, real estate, banking.
- What is the difference between Baukultur and Bauhaus?
- The New European Bauhaus is the European Union's response to the 2018 Davos Declaration and transforms the ideas of Baukultur into the functioning mechanisms of the European Union. The New European Bauhaus is gradually turning from an initiative into a programme that obtains financial support from the EU budget, mobilising more and more groups of interested parties - from architects to local authorities, from civil organisations to libraries, museums, and archives, from universities to international cultural associations.
I am going to answer your question like this: Baukultur is a worldwide movement and association to change the global vision on the role of construction culture for the development of humanity. The New European Bauhaus is the first real initiative to support Baukultur projects within the European Union.
- The new alliance envisages both the creation of a new living environment and the preservation of cultural heritage. What will the synergy be?
- Since the 2018 Davos Declaration, the Baukultur vision, has categorically declared that cultural heritage is a key component of a high-quality building culture. "The way we do not use, maintain and protect our cultural heritage today will be critical to the future development of the new built environment of high quality." (The translation is not official, but this is written in point 9 of the Declaration.)
We must not forget that 2018 was declared the Year of Cultural Heritage and that left an imprint on most of the decisions, visions and strategies developed during that year. But the new Davos Baukultur Memorandum of 2023 already states in its preamble that high-quality Baukultur puts culture at its center and adds that it builds on the principles and goals defined in the Davos Declaration.
In general, the role of cultural heritage is growing further in the ideas of development of our society. For Europe, cultural heritage is of particular importance, because it provides a basis for the European identity, it is the basis of the development of cultural tourism and of a large part of the regions, and at the same time, thanks to digital technologies, it brings the historical and cultural values of small communities closer to the general cultural and educational development of a united Europe.
In the New European Bauhaus, cultural heritage has its special role – from immovable cultural monuments, archaeological excavations, and historical buildings to the libraries’, museums’ and archive’s collections.
It is impossible to create a new modern living environment without integrating cultural heritage into it. It is impossible to even imagine a revival of green technologies in construction, energy efficiency based on the circular economy without turning to the wealth of information about old technologies stored in museums or libraries. It is hard to imagine a modern city or village, in which there are archaeological monuments or historical buildings, if they are not integrated into the social environment and spaces.
Cultural heritage has its place in Baukultur. It is a decision of each individual state, municipality, and community how to make the synergy happen in the field. It is no coincidence that the eight criteria of Baukultur also include those related to the expectations of the communities, public needs, and the feelings of the people in the particular place.
- One of the goals is to create better designed modern cities and villages. How and who will accomplish this?
- Better designed and built modern cities and villages does not mean new cities and villages, it means a new approach in their spatial planning, including by integrating their historical parts and creating new cultural public spaces. At the beginning of the 21st century, in the regional policy of the EU, there was special support for the so-called "brown areas", i.e. former, defunct industrial urban areas - manufacturing plants, commercial ports or docks. As a result of projects specifically aimed at changing their presence in cities, we now enjoy wonderful cultural and residential areas in Bristol, Berlin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and many other European cities. I give this example to highlight that the vision of Baukultur is not only to build something new, but also to direct the vision, thinking, design and construction technologies, as well as the management of urbanised territories in the direction of complex development that uses everything that exists, constructs, modernises and builds a new social environment.
I am pleased to say that there are examples of such a vision in Bulgaria as well. Let everyone visit the area of the old port in Burgas and see the modern reconstructed buildings that have been transformed into hotels, galleries, and art studios.
In addition, as I already said, the Memorandum on Baukultur is an ambitious and complex document that sets requirements for good governance - complexity and ambition, partnership between state and local government, participation of civil society, support of the academic community, discussions and decisions, general motivation to achieve a new and modern quality of life.
- Some people claim that this way the transition to more sustainable energy sources will take place. Is it possible?
- Definitely, yes. Although it is not appropriate to talk about sustainable energy sources in Bulgaria now. It's as if everyone has decided that it's politically safe to talk, that it's most important not to change anything. The transition to sustainable energy sources, the development of renewable energy and the implementation of energy efficiency are not just slogans. These are patterns of development ensured by existing technological solutions that cannot be stopped. Besides, only these models can lead to Europe's energy independence. But the topic is not only a topic of Europe. Modern construction implies energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, energy efficient materials and technologies. And the modern construction culture – even more so.
Baukultur five years ago and today still puts the problem of climate change on an equal footing with culture. What's more, it binds modern culture and education, including the professional approach in the field of construction, with climate change and environmental protection, which also means renewable sustainable energy and energy efficiency.
- As part of the alliance, how could Bulgaria benefit from the new alliance? Is there any specific funding intended for the countries and what opportunities are open to the Bulgarian construction, design and architecture businesses?
- This is one of the moments when our country, from being a user of funds on EU programmes and support from the EU, can become a country that participates in the creation of world development policy. Bulgaria has a huge resource of cultural heritage, living culture, a developed network of cultural institutes, developed education in the field of culture, a high position of culture in public mindsets. We can contribute to the development of the Baukultur Alliance, and not just glance through at how to use it. Two more elements of our modern development give us an advantage - our country benefits from serious support from the EU's Cohesion Policy and develops a stable construction industry. This gives us the opportunity to implement projects that are in the spirit of Baukultur.
And as for the Bulgarian construction, design, and architecture businesses - first of all, the state owes them information, support and a national vision for placing construction culture at the center of our development strategies. When they receive the necessary information and comprehensive support, they have the full potential to turn our country into a leader in the fulfillment of the Baukultur Alliance.
- What will be the role of the scientific and academic community in the process of creating the better new living environment?
- This is one of the key elements of the 2023 Davos Memorandum. In addition to businesses and private partnerships, it pays special attention to academia. Only they could provide the basis for the interdisciplinary, multi-layered, cross-sector collaborations that underpin the Baukultur vision.
I am pleased to say that the Bulgarian academic circles are ahead of the state and are already implementing projects that in their spirit and goals correspond to the New European Bauhaus and Baukultur. An example of this is the Heritage BG project, which combines vision, ambitions, partnership and multi-sector co-operation.
- At the forum in Davos, the Serbian Minister of Culture pointed to the "Castles and Villas of Serbia" project as one that could benefit from the new initiative. Her Macedonian colleague Bisera Kostadinova stated that they are urgently creating a Baukultur directorate as part of her ministry to collect concepts and ideas. Where are we?
- Regrettably, I cannot answer this question. I have not heard of the Bulgarian state authorities expressing any intentions. It is not the first time, but it would be a shame if we do not understand something again or because there is no direct funding - it is not interesting for our country. North Macedonia will make a directorate. At least that's what we could do too.
- The European Bauhaus initiative is now in its third year. In the European Parliament, you have made several proposals regarding energy efficiency regulations for buildings. In our country, you held a series of seminars to present the opportunities to the different sectors. But the authorities are quiet on the matter. What do you think, is Bulgaria ready to benefit from the new initiative? And if not, where is the chain breaking?
- Yes, I am working hard on the New European Bauhaus - both in the European Parliament as a shadow rapporteur from the Renew Europe group, and in Bulgaria, where I organise a series of events. I think the initiative has its future. The first encouraging changes at the European level are already visible - we expect more and more serious funding of projects with the New European Bauhaus label. We are preparing the attitudes for identifying a program that will find its place in the future Multi-annual Financial Framework.
The examples shown by many member states are encouraging and are signs of great results. Denmark provides national funding - not huge, but motivating, to local authorities; Slovakia actively spreads information and presents successful projects, Croatia informs and supports, Greece is on the lookout for pilot projects.
In Bulgaria it is much more difficult. There is a lack of information and state policy, even if it is not politics (it is complicated), let it be will, desire, interest. The efforts of branch organisations such as the Bulgarian Construction Chamber or the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria cannot compensate for the lack of a national concept.
As a person who intends to work for the recognition of the New European Bauhaus in the future, and also as a person who is proud to have dedicated years of her career to the development of libraries and culture in Bulgaria, I welcome the decisions from Davos and I am happy that such a clear sign is given of the place of culture in the development of mankind.
- What are the steps that the executive should immediately take?
- Immediately - information and a clear definition of the position of our country. After that – meetings with the academia, the industry organisations I mentioned and local authorities. As much discussion and debate as possible. As well as clear rules on how structural fund projects will receive the New European Bauhaus label.
And as for the Baukultur Memorandum - the Bulgarian cultural community deserves to hear that for the modern world culture is at the center of development, to express its opinion and to propose how our country could participate in the implementation of the Memorandum.
- Dozens of Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) mayors have already announced that they have prepared projects for hundreds of millions of Bulgarian leva, including the Bauhaus. In your opinion, what projects could become pilot ones for Bulgaria?
- This is the best part of our conversation. Mayors elected from MRF lists have always been first in their preparation for participation in European initiatives. They are also ready with projects that accomplish the goals of the New European Bauhaus and correspond to the spirit of Baukultur. I am so proud of them, and I do not miss to inform all my colleagues in the European Parliament about their ideas, successes, problems and above all about the close relationship they maintain with the people, with the citizens of Bulgaria, Europe and the world.
Some of the projects devised by them can easily be pilot projects for Bulgaria, for Europe and for the Baukultur vision, and I am confident that they will succeed.
Whether it will be a project to integrate an entire archaeological Thracian complex into the social space of a small town, or it will be the construction of holiday villages using environmentally friendly materials and techniques traditional to the region, or it will be the development of a tourist destination based on preservation and exposure of the mining industry from the 1970s, or an innovative union of several municipalities to present a thousand-year-old cultural heritage in the region - each of the projects has potential.
When one becomes familiar with these ideas, one understands that the Davos Memorandum on Baukultur is not so far from the Bulgarian reality, and the New European Bauhaus has a future in Bulgaria.
Let's not forget: Baukultur is a vision for a better life - both for societies and for people.
