The Demolition Drama

The Demolition Drama is a documentary published by HouseEurope!, featuring a team of authors including Olaf Grawert and Alina Kolar. This film focuses on the urgent need for sustainable housing in Europe, highlighting the detrimental impact of demolition practices in the real estate sector. The documentary aims to gather one million signatures for the European Citizens’ Initiative, HouseEurope!, to stop demolition practices and push for new EU laws promoting renovation and transformation.

The documentary reveals that the demolition of buildings is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for 38% of all emissions in the EU. It emphasizes that current practices prioritize profit over sustainability, resulting in vacant buildings and a cycle of demolition and new construction that neglects community needs and social equity. Only 1% of Europe’s buildings are renovated annually, suggesting that it would take nearly 100 years to address the building stock, far exceeding the 2050 climate goals.

The film argues that renovation is a more economically, socially, and environmentally beneficial alternative to demolition. It explores how embracing renovation could transform urban development, creating opportunities for architects, builders, and policymakers committed to sustainable practices. The documentary presents compelling evidence that renovation could address housing shortages more effectively than new construction.

The documentary delves into the financialization of real estate, illustrating how speculative practices shape urban development. It discusses how the real estate market prioritizes profits, often at the expense of community well-being. The film highlights the need to rethink how value is assigned to land and buildings, arguing that the value created by communities should not be extracted for profit by speculators.

The negative health impacts of demolition are also addressed, including the increase in fine dust particles from construction sites, which can lead to respiratory issues, especially in children. The film posits that demolition contributes to the loss of social diversity and community fabric, making it an antisocial phenomenon.

Architects and urban planners are called upon to rethink their roles in a financialized market. The documentary emphasizes the need for a shift from viewing buildings merely as investments to recognizing their value as homes and community spaces. It suggests that architects should focus on renovation and transformation rather than new construction.

The film advocates for financial incentives to encourage renovation over demolition. For example, in Belgium, the VAT for renovation is lower than that for new construction. This approach could stimulate a renovation wave and attract investors interested in sustainable practices.

Ultimately, The Demolition Drama challenges viewers to reconsider the future of urban development, advocating for a shift towards sustainable housing solutions that prioritize community needs and environmental health. It calls for the integration of renovation as a core principle in urban planning and development, emphasizing that every house is a home deserving of preservation. For more information and to support the initiative, viewers are encouraged to visit HouseEurope!'s website and participate in the campaign.