1.Lectures Renovate, don’t speculate | HouseEurope!
The future is already built: rethinking renovation and demolition in a climate-conscious Europe.
Architecture accounts for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions. How can we rethink demolition and renovation in light of today’s urgent climate and housing crises? As the official Dutch partner of HouseEurope!, ACAN NL, AvBK, and IABR host a public event to spotlight the movement calling for EU legislation that promotes renovation over demolition. Featuring a film screening, lecture, and panel discussion, the event opens space for dialogue on systemic change, architectural responsibility, and building a strong Dutch network for action. Can the Netherlands help shape a more sustainable European future – one renovation at a time?
With:
- Nathalie de Vries, Architect, Urban Planner and founding partner MVRDV
- Josta van Bockxmeer, correspondent Wonen (Housing) at The Correspondent
- Hedwig van der Linden, Architect, Researcher and Co-founder at Dérive
- Olaf Grawert, Co-Initiator and Communications at HouseEurope! and founding partner at design practice b+
About HouseEurope!
HouseEurope! wants to create incentives that make renovation the new norm. This will boost the renovation market and give new value to what is already there. The goal is to preserve homes and communities, ensure a fairer and more local building industry, save energy and resources, and preserve our memories and stories.
Every minute, a building in Europe is destroyed – not by natural disaster, but by human hands. While they profit, you pay the price: with rising rents and rising temperatures. We want to stop this destruction and make renovation the new norm — because demolishing existing buildings is as outdated as food waste, animal testing, fast fashion, and single-use plastics.
Visitor Info
Date: Monday 29 September 2025
Time: 8pm – 9.3pm
Location: Pakhuis de Zwijger
Address: Piet Heinkade 179, 1019 HC Amsterdam
Admission: Free entrance with registration
Accessibility:
Pakhuis de Zwijger is wheelchair accessible. The entire building is equipped with accessibility features. All rooms can be reached via elevator, and there is an adapted restroom on the second floor. If desired, we also offer assistance — feel free to contact us at zalen@dezwijger.nl.
There are also accessible parking spaces near Pakhuis de Zwijger for vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit. These can be found at Vriesseveem 4 and Withoedenveem 16.