IIASA Director General, Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber, will be a distinguished speaker at the NEW Bauhaus Congress, taking place from 4–6 March 2025 at Messe Erfurt in Germany. The event, inspired by the Bauhaus movement, aims to explore innovative approaches to sustainable, aesthetic, and integrative urban and rural development.
The European Commission launched the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative to translate the European Green Deal into practical solutions that resonate with people’s needs and aspirations. The congress will bring together leading experts, policymakers, architects, and scientists to discuss the future of building, sustainability, and regional development.
Schellnhuber, who is a globally recognized expert in climate science and sustainable architecture, will present his vision for the role of construction in combating climate change. His keynote will highlight how carbon-negative and circular building practices can significantly reduce environmental impact and help create a regenerative built environment.
"The building sector is one of the largest contributors to global emissions. By rethinking construction materials and methods, we can turn buildings into carbon sinks rather than sources of pollution," says Schellnhuber. "The New European Bauhaus offers an opportunity to merge sustainability with beauty and functionality, ensuring that our cities and rural areas are prepared for the future.”
The congress will be structured around three main themes:
- New world – Think new: Exploring new paradigms in architecture, planning, and technology.
- New building – Construct new: Innovations in sustainable and modular construction.
- New region – Act new: Addressing urban-rural transformations and the role of policy and governance in sustainable development.
As a key speaker at the event, Schellnhuber will engage with experts from various fields, emphasizing the necessity of cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing the environmental crisis through design and architecture.
The NEW Bauhaus Congress 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone committed to reshaping the future of sustainable construction and urban planning. For more details and registration, visit the event website.