Office to Housing

The document titled "EINE HANDREICHUNG ZUR TRANSFORMATION UNGENUTZTER BÜROFLÄCHEN IN BEZAHLBAREN WOHNRAUM" was created by the Bund Deutscher Architektinnen und Architekten (BDA) Bayern. It serves as a practical guide for various stakeholders, including builders, mayors, administrations, the real estate sector, planners, and politicians. The publication aims to address the challenges associated with converting vacant office spaces into affordable housing, highlighting the pressing need for innovative housing solutions in urban areas.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the potential for transforming unused office spaces into affordable living environments. Experts offer insights into suitable office typologies for conversion, existing and desirable financing and funding models, and strategies for structural, constructive, and energy-efficient upgrades. The text emphasizes the importance of adapting planning and building regulations to facilitate the conversion process, even in less desirable locations. This urban reprogramming is expected to revitalize neighborhoods and increase property values.

The guide discusses financial gaps that may arise during the conversion process and suggests solutions such as tax incentives, depreciation options, and the reorientation of funding models. It highlights that addressing these financial discrepancies is crucial for achieving widespread success in transforming office spaces into affordable housing.

The document outlines essential technical criteria for selecting appropriate office buildings for conversion. These include aspects such as building age, condition, and structural suitability. The guide notes that office buildings constructed from the mid-1980s onward are often more suitable for conversion due to their compliance with earlier thermal insulation regulations and the absence of hazardous materials like asbestos.

Legal and regulatory issues are also addressed, particularly in relation to planning and building codes. The document indicates that while a change in use typically results in the loss of building rights, urban planning can still permit conversions if the project is deemed architecturally acceptable. The guide elaborates on various legal exceptions and exemptions that can facilitate the conversion process, emphasizing the need for flexibility in applying these laws.

The publication encourages collaboration among architects, planners, property owners, and local authorities to develop innovative and sustainable housing solutions. By leveraging the existing infrastructure and resources, stakeholders can work together to create vibrant, mixed-use communities that meet the diverse needs of residents.

The BDA Bayern's Office to Housing guide serves as a crucial resource for addressing the housing crisis in urban areas across Europe. By promoting the transformation of vacant office spaces into affordable homes, the publication aims to provide sustainable housing solutions that contribute to community revitalization and environmental sustainability.