Answers to the challenges of the urban future
BAU 2025, which will take place in Munich from 13 to 17 January 2025, will present innovative solutions and new ways of tackling the social, economic and environmental challenges posed by increasing urbanisation. By 2050, 70% of the world's population is expected to live in cities, which will require forward-looking planning and sustainable spatial design.
Around 56% of the world’s population currently lives in cities, a figure that is set to rise to 70% by 2050. This urbanisation brings with it numerous challenges, including increasing demands on space and land use as well as conflicting objectives between different sectors. Forward-looking planning is essential in order to make cities, rural areas and the areas in between fit for the future. BAU 2025 will show what answers already exist and where new approaches need to be developed.
Blurring boundaries between urban and rural areas
Traditionally, urban and rural areas were defined by clear geographical and functional boundaries: cities as centres of population, industry and services and the countryside as an agricultural area. However, these boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred and the challenges facing urban and rural areas and the space in between are becoming more and more similar. Issues such as demographic change, necessary infrastructure, mobility and sustainable spatial planning and settlement development affect all regions equally.
Spatial planning and spatial development
The tasks of spatial planning and spatial development are central to the sustainable design of our living spaces. These range from sustainable land use and the avoidance of land sealing to the promotion of social integration and quality of life. The “New Leipzig Charter” serves as a policy document of the National Urban Development Policy and offers guidelines for innovative and sustainable solutions in urban planning and neighbourhood development. The digital transformation and changing demands on consumption and mobility require a new mix of production, work and living in favour of vibrant neighbourhoods.
Transformation of existing buildings
The adaptation and upgrading of existing buildings is a key future task for the construction industry. Intelligent concepts for the flexible conversion and continued use of existing buildings help to preserve cultural identity and minimise emissions. Examples of this include the conversion of former industrial sites into vibrant urban districts and inner development in rural areas, which revitalises and uses existing buildings. Innovative projects combine public infrastructure and social services, promote the sustainable use of resources and revitalise town centres.
Ecological transformation as an investment in the future
The ecological transformation of our cities and rural areas is a genuine investment in the future. It leads to climate-friendly living conditions and offers economic added value for everyone involved. Architects, interior and landscape architects and urban planners combine ecological, social, economic, functional and design aspects and support the harmonisation of individual interests with the common good. Prof. Lydia Haack, President of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects, emphasises the importance of “ClimateCultureCompetence” and the responsibility of members to drive forward the ecological transformation in planning and construction.
Affordable housing
Affordable housing is crucial for stabilising local communities and the economy. The creation of 400,000 homes per year, as agreed in the coalition agreement, contrasts with the decline in residential building permits. New strategies for repurposing existing buildings, such as office buildings or hospitals, as well as innovative forms of housing that focus on community and openness, are approaches to creating affordable housing and promoting social interaction.
New formats and processes
Sustainable development in urban, spatial and regional planning requires new processes, methods and tools in order to be able to react quickly to current challenges. The rapid digitalisation and technological progress of the last 20 years require dynamic processes that need to be continuously adapted. Scenario development and innovative participation formats promote new ways of co-design and acceptance. Best practices and scalable impulses will be presented at BAU 2025, as will the necessary product and system innovations.