ACE general approach to the housing crisis in the EU - Architects’ contribution to affordable and quality housing

Overview of the Document

The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) presents a comprehensive position on the European housing crisis, emphasizing the need for affordable, high‑quality, and sustainable homes. The paper, authored by ACE experts, outlines current challenges such as shortages of affordable housing, declining construction quality, and the impact of climate change, while linking housing policy to the New European Bauhaus initiative.

Policy Context and Public Procurement

ACE calls for revising the EU Public Procurement Directive to prioritize quality, sustainability, and long‑term value. It recommends expanding architectural design competitions to stimulate innovation and fairness, and aligning procurement incentives with environmental goals.

Streamlining Permits and Experimental Models

The paper urges faster building‑permit processes and support for experimental housing models, noting that digital tools like BIM can improve transparency. Reducing delays is presented as essential for attracting investment and delivering affordable units more quickly.

Quality Criteria and Davos Baukultur System

A voluntary set of housing‑quality criteria, based on the Davos Baukultur Quality System, is proposed. These criteria cover design, neighbourhood context, and sustainability, and should be integrated into real‑estate credit assessments to guide responsible financing.

Renovation, Retrofit, and Circular Economy

Renovation is highlighted as a key climate‑mitigation strategy. ACE advocates tax incentives (e.g., VAT exemptions) for retrofitting existing stock, fair assessment standards, and life‑cycle analyses. Emphasis is placed on circular design, adaptive reuse of obsolete spaces, and preserving heritage buildings.

Nature‑Based Solutions and Energy Performance

Nature‑based solutions such as green roofs, urban forests, and permeable surfaces are recommended to enhance resilience and reduce emissions. Supporting the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and promoting net‑positive energy districts are identified as crucial for lowering the sector’s carbon footprint.

Social Inclusion, Accessibility, and Co‑Housing

The document stresses the importance of inclusive housing models, including co‑housing, multi‑generational homes, and safeguards against gentrification and renovictions. It calls for participatory budgeting, protection of informal housing, and policies that ensure affordable social housing remains a public responsibility.

Disaster Resilience and Emergency Shelter

ACE highlights the need for housing that can withstand natural disasters and geopolitical shocks. Recommendations include creating blueprints for rapid shelter deployment using repurposed buildings and integrating disaster‑risk considerations into urban planning.

Heritage Protection and Urban Identity

Preserving historic city centres is presented as both cultural and sustainability imperative. The paper urges EU policies to shield heritage areas from aggressive redevelopment while promoting adaptive reuse that respects local identity.

Research, Education, and Continuous Debate

ACE calls for sustained EU funding of housing research, integration of housing topics into architectural curricula, and ongoing multi‑stakeholder debates. Establishing a New European Bauhaus (NEB) Lab on housing is proposed to gather ideas from the broader community.

Key Data and Facts

• European housing shortage linked to affordability and quality declines.
• Climate change intensifies the need for resilient, low‑carbon homes.
• Tax incentives and VAT exemptions can boost renovation markets.
• Digital tools like BIM can cut permitting times.
• Nature‑based solutions improve urban resilience and biodiversity.
• EPBD harmonizes energy‑efficiency standards across member states. These facts and recommendations provide a pan‑European framework aimed at delivering sustainable, affordable, and high‑quality housing for all citizens.