Architecture, Design & Building Typologies

The European housing sector faces immense pressure to deliver sustainable homes whilst navigating complex urban densities, demanding architectural innovation that moves beyond conventional models. From rethinking traditional building typologies such as perimeter blocks and mid-rise developments to integrating mixed-use morphologies that layer residential spaces with civic functions, the way we construct our neighbourhoods is rapidly evolving. Modular and prefabricated off-site construction methods are becoming vital for reducing delivery times, whilst mass timber and biobased materials align with European goals for decarbonisation in the built environment. Furthermore, adaptive design ensures buildings can accommodate flexible tenures and changing community needs, demonstrating that forward-thinking architecture is fundamental to resilient cooperative housing.

Below, you will find a curated collection of resources exploring these shifts, including reports on flexible living and circular buildings, alongside deep dives into the conditions shaping architecture in Berlin and Zurich. The page highlights pioneering organisations driving this transition, from automated architecture specialists like AUAR to established practices such as ARUP and AllesWirdGut. You can also explore exemplary projects that put these concepts into practice, including the modular Circle House, the collaborative spaces of Blåsut Kollektivhus, and the mixed-use A House for Artists. Finally, we invite you to connect with the wider community by discovering upcoming industry events, ranging from the polis Convention in Düsseldorf to the Built by Nature Annual Summit, where the future of housing design takes shape.