Crafting the Future
Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces
The initiative creates consumption-free meeting spaces for young people, strengthens participation, and raises awareness of building culture. In school workshops, young people explore local structures and vacant spaces, develop concepts for a youth meeting point, and acquire design, craft, and social skills through hands-on implementation on-site. This model promotes personal responsibility. A sense of community and sustainable building culture strengthen regional identity and self-efficacy.
Austria
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Early initiative
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Yes
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No
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31810: Gloggnitz (AT)
The initiative creates consumption-free meeting spaces for young people, strengthens participation, and raises awareness of building culture. In school workshops, they explore local structures and vacant spaces, develop concepts for youth meeting points, and acquire design, craft, and social skills through hands-on implementation on-site. This fosters personal responsibility and active participation. Early involvement in decision-making processes enhances self-efficacy and regional identification.
"Building Culture Meets the Future: Young Ideas for Vibrant Places" is implemented in collaboration with young people, craftsmen, architects, and social workers. Youth plan, design, and build, revitalizing underutilized spaces in a resource-efficient manner while upcycling materials and furniture.
Particularly through the funding commitment "Craft & Building Culture – Artisan Courtyards in the World Heritage Region Semmering," granted in autumn 2024 by the Rural Innovation Partnerships (LIP), and its key measure of training and education formats, young people gain hands-on experience through the "Handwerk macht Schule" school workshops. This raises awareness of the sustainable use and design of built heritage and encourages their active participation in community life.
The project promotes exchange and learning through social and cultural programs such as workshops and intergenerational activities.
The "Handwerk macht Schule" model is transferable to other regions and communities. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with circular economy principles, identity-forming spatial design, participation, and resource-efficient construction ensures lasting impact, strengthens communities, and contributes to long-term sustainable building culture.
"Building Culture Meets the Future: Young Ideas for Vibrant Places" is implemented in collaboration with young people, craftsmen, architects, and social workers. Youth plan, design, and build, revitalizing underutilized spaces in a resource-efficient manner while upcycling materials and furniture.
Particularly through the funding commitment "Craft & Building Culture – Artisan Courtyards in the World Heritage Region Semmering," granted in autumn 2024 by the Rural Innovation Partnerships (LIP), and its key measure of training and education formats, young people gain hands-on experience through the "Handwerk macht Schule" school workshops. This raises awareness of the sustainable use and design of built heritage and encourages their active participation in community life.
The project promotes exchange and learning through social and cultural programs such as workshops and intergenerational activities.
The "Handwerk macht Schule" model is transferable to other regions and communities. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with circular economy principles, identity-forming spatial design, participation, and resource-efficient construction ensures lasting impact, strengthens communities, and contributes to long-term sustainable building culture.
participation / co-determination
building culture
spatial justice
self-efficacy
sense of community
The project ""Craftsmanship Meets Education" follows a comprehensive sustainability approach that combines ecological, social, and economic aspects. Instead of constructing new buildings, underutilized spaces are renovated and repurposed, reducing CO₂ emissions, preventing the decay of valuable building stock, and revitalizing rural communities in the long term.
A key component is the reuse of materials. Young people learn to repair, restore, or upcycle building materials and furniture to minimize construction and disposal waste. Sustainable materials such as clay, wood, and lime are used for their durability and climate-friendly properties. At the same time, the project teaches resource-efficient construction methods, sustainable urban development, and environmentally responsible renovation concepts.
Collaboration with local craft businesses strengthens regional economic cycles and preserves traditional techniques. This allows young people to explore future-oriented professions while supporting local enterprises. Additionally, the project raises awareness of sustainable production and construction processes.
The participatory approach enables young people to actively shape their environment and gain hands-on experience in sustainable urban development. They learn how a conscious approach to existing resources fosters both ecological and social sustainability. Intergenerational exchange with experienced craftsmen provides practical knowledge on materials, building culture, and preservation techniques.
In the long run, the project contributes to strengthening communities and promoting the sustainable use of rural areas. It serves as a model for integrating sustainable building culture into educational processes, fostering environmental awareness, social participation, and regional identity.
A key component is the reuse of materials. Young people learn to repair, restore, or upcycle building materials and furniture to minimize construction and disposal waste. Sustainable materials such as clay, wood, and lime are used for their durability and climate-friendly properties. At the same time, the project teaches resource-efficient construction methods, sustainable urban development, and environmentally responsible renovation concepts.
Collaboration with local craft businesses strengthens regional economic cycles and preserves traditional techniques. This allows young people to explore future-oriented professions while supporting local enterprises. Additionally, the project raises awareness of sustainable production and construction processes.
The participatory approach enables young people to actively shape their environment and gain hands-on experience in sustainable urban development. They learn how a conscious approach to existing resources fosters both ecological and social sustainability. Intergenerational exchange with experienced craftsmen provides practical knowledge on materials, building culture, and preservation techniques.
In the long run, the project contributes to strengthening communities and promoting the sustainable use of rural areas. It serves as a model for integrating sustainable building culture into educational processes, fostering environmental awareness, social participation, and regional identity.
The project "Craftsmanship Meets Education" combines building culture with a creative educational approach to raise young people's awareness of aesthetics, spatial quality, and cultural heritage. It demonstrates that sustainable construction can be both functional and aesthetically appealing. The result is identity-forming spaces that blend historical and modern design elements, positively impacting well-being.
A key focus is the careful revitalization of existing spaces. Instead of creating new structures, neglected spaces are transformed. The reuse of traditional materials such as wood and stone creates a harmonious balance between old and new, strengthening the connection to regional building culture and fostering an appreciation for durable design.
Young people actively participate in the creative process: they learn how light, materials, colors, and proportions influence the atmosphere of a space. In workshops with architects and craftsmen, they develop and implement their own concepts. This results in spaces that are not only functional but also create emotional connections and enhance users' well-being.
Aesthetics here is not a luxury but an essential part of a livable environment. Well-designed spaces inspire, foster creativity, and encourage social interaction. They provide protection, comfort, and structure—key factors for high-quality living spaces. The participatory approach allows young people to directly experience the impact of their design ideas and develop an intuitive understanding of form and material.
Additionally, the project integrates the New European Bauhaus principles: beauty through the enhancement of existing spaces, social inclusion through collaborative design, and sustainability through the mindful use of resources. This model serves as a best-practice example of how design and building culture contribute to identity formation and community strengthening.
A key focus is the careful revitalization of existing spaces. Instead of creating new structures, neglected spaces are transformed. The reuse of traditional materials such as wood and stone creates a harmonious balance between old and new, strengthening the connection to regional building culture and fostering an appreciation for durable design.
Young people actively participate in the creative process: they learn how light, materials, colors, and proportions influence the atmosphere of a space. In workshops with architects and craftsmen, they develop and implement their own concepts. This results in spaces that are not only functional but also create emotional connections and enhance users' well-being.
Aesthetics here is not a luxury but an essential part of a livable environment. Well-designed spaces inspire, foster creativity, and encourage social interaction. They provide protection, comfort, and structure—key factors for high-quality living spaces. The participatory approach allows young people to directly experience the impact of their design ideas and develop an intuitive understanding of form and material.
Additionally, the project integrates the New European Bauhaus principles: beauty through the enhancement of existing spaces, social inclusion through collaborative design, and sustainability through the mindful use of resources. This model serves as a best-practice example of how design and building culture contribute to identity formation and community strengthening.
The project creates an inclusive social infrastructure by enabling young people, regardless of their social background or educational path, to actively shape their living environment. The focus is on transforming existing spaces into community-strengthening, consumption-free meeting places in city centers that are accessible to all.
Through active participation in the community, young people are introduced to political decision-making processes early on and learn to contribute to shaping their surroundings. They take on responsibility, experience democratic processes, and develop self-confidence in their role as part of society. This approach fosters self-efficacy—young people recognize their own potential and abilities while gaining hands-on experience through craftsmanship.
A key principle is the creation of spaces for all age groups, accommodating diverse needs. The youth design multifunctional meeting places that serve not only them but also other generations as social gathering points. This results in vibrant spaces for exchange, which contribute to the long-term social revitalization of rural areas.
The hands-on workshops teach not only technical skills but also essential soft skills such as conflict management, self-organization, and cooperative management. Through collaborative work, participants learn to resolve conflicts, take responsibility, and work constructively as a team. These experiences strengthen social cohesion and prepare them for future challenges.
The project combines participation, social justice, and personal responsibility with practical skill development. It serves as a model for how young people can become active co-creators of their region while strengthening social bonds, passing on craftsmanship knowledge, and ensuring the sustainable revitalization of rural spaces.
Through active participation in the community, young people are introduced to political decision-making processes early on and learn to contribute to shaping their surroundings. They take on responsibility, experience democratic processes, and develop self-confidence in their role as part of society. This approach fosters self-efficacy—young people recognize their own potential and abilities while gaining hands-on experience through craftsmanship.
A key principle is the creation of spaces for all age groups, accommodating diverse needs. The youth design multifunctional meeting places that serve not only them but also other generations as social gathering points. This results in vibrant spaces for exchange, which contribute to the long-term social revitalization of rural areas.
The hands-on workshops teach not only technical skills but also essential soft skills such as conflict management, self-organization, and cooperative management. Through collaborative work, participants learn to resolve conflicts, take responsibility, and work constructively as a team. These experiences strengthen social cohesion and prepare them for future challenges.
The project combines participation, social justice, and personal responsibility with practical skill development. It serves as a model for how young people can become active co-creators of their region while strengthening social bonds, passing on craftsmanship knowledge, and ensuring the sustainable revitalization of rural spaces.
Early Involvement of the Local Community
The development of the planned youth center is based on a comprehensive participation process in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Semmering. This project is part of a broader participatory strategy and is currently supported by the Rural Innovation Partnerships funding program. Key challenges have been identified: the lack of non-commercial meeting spaces for young people, the importance of early exposure to craftsmanship, and the need to actively involve young people in municipal decision-making processes. Close collaboration with craft businesses, educational institutions, and local decision-makers ensures that the project is socially accepted and has a lasting impact.
Direct Participation of Young People A key element is the active involvement of young people in shaping the project. School workshops have raised awareness of vacant buildings and encouraged students to share their perspectives on vacancy and the use of public spaces. They have developed initial concepts for repurposing existing buildings. The next step is to implement the youth space in a cooperative process involving the municipality, decision-makers, craft businesses, and educational institutions—from the conceptual phase to construction. Dialogue with the municipality is essential to ensure that the needs and ideas of young people are heard and considered. This direct participation fosters a sense of self-efficacy and demonstrates how young people can actively contribute to their community’s development.
Long-Term Social Impact The newly created non-commercial meeting spaces provide young people with opportunities for self-expression and strengthen their sense of responsibility for their environment. At the same time, revitalizing vacant buildings enhances social cohesion and economic resilience in the region. The developed model can also be implemented in other municipalities, allowing not only the immediate region but also other rural areas in EU.
Direct Participation of Young People A key element is the active involvement of young people in shaping the project. School workshops have raised awareness of vacant buildings and encouraged students to share their perspectives on vacancy and the use of public spaces. They have developed initial concepts for repurposing existing buildings. The next step is to implement the youth space in a cooperative process involving the municipality, decision-makers, craft businesses, and educational institutions—from the conceptual phase to construction. Dialogue with the municipality is essential to ensure that the needs and ideas of young people are heard and considered. This direct participation fosters a sense of self-efficacy and demonstrates how young people can actively contribute to their community’s development.
Long-Term Social Impact The newly created non-commercial meeting spaces provide young people with opportunities for self-expression and strengthen their sense of responsibility for their environment. At the same time, revitalizing vacant buildings enhances social cohesion and economic resilience in the region. The developed model can also be implemented in other municipalities, allowing not only the immediate region but also other rural areas in EU.
The project "Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces" is part of the comprehensive structural program "Craftsmanship and Building Culture," which focuses on the cross-community development of the Semmering World Heritage Region. At the core of this project is close collaboration among a wide range of partners, including national and regional governments, municipalities, educational institutions (such as universities and schools), various organizations, craft businesses, private property owners, and the local population. This broad network of partnerships is essential for the project's success and acceptance.
Within "Crafting the Future," the focus is on actively involving young people. Additionally, educational institutions, municipalities, decision-makers, and craftsmen are integrated into the process. A key objective is to foster intergenerational connections, enabling exchange between different age groups. This approach promotes sustainable participation across all levels of society and strengthens the sense of community.
Within "Crafting the Future," the focus is on actively involving young people. Additionally, educational institutions, municipalities, decision-makers, and craftsmen are integrated into the process. A key objective is to foster intergenerational connections, enabling exchange between different age groups. This approach promotes sustainable participation across all levels of society and strengthens the sense of community.
The project "Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces" is part of the comprehensive structural program Craftsmanship and Building Culture, which drives the cross-community development of the Semmering World Heritage Region. It is based on close collaboration between transdisciplinary partners, integrating knowledge from various fields. At its core is regional climate change adaptation, taking into account social, economic, and ecological aspects. Experts from regional development, renovation, heritage conservation, urban and town center revitalization, vacancy management, architecture, design, participation, craftsmanship, as well as arts and culture, all contribute to this effort.
"Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces" particularly benefits from a broad knowledge base created through strong networking between municipalities, craft businesses, designers, planning experts, educational institutions, and youth work organizations. This diversity provides a solid transdisciplinary foundation for the project’s development.
By incorporating different disciplines, the youth space is designed sustainably and for the long term. Young people engage in early dialogue with their community, learn about the importance of cultural heritage, and discover how they can actively contribute to shaping their environment. At the same time, they collaborate with craftsmen and professionals, strengthening their teamwork skills and fostering intergenerational exchange. This promotes the development of personal responsibility. The interactive and integrative approach not only creates a space for young people but also strengthens the social fabric and supports a vibrant, sustainable community.
"Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces" particularly benefits from a broad knowledge base created through strong networking between municipalities, craft businesses, designers, planning experts, educational institutions, and youth work organizations. This diversity provides a solid transdisciplinary foundation for the project’s development.
By incorporating different disciplines, the youth space is designed sustainably and for the long term. Young people engage in early dialogue with their community, learn about the importance of cultural heritage, and discover how they can actively contribute to shaping their environment. At the same time, they collaborate with craftsmen and professionals, strengthening their teamwork skills and fostering intergenerational exchange. This promotes the development of personal responsibility. The interactive and integrative approach not only creates a space for young people but also strengthens the social fabric and supports a vibrant, sustainable community.
The project Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces takes an innovative approach that sets it apart from conventional urban and regional development initiatives. While traditional projects are often organized in a top-down manner and involve young people only marginally, this initiative is built on a participatory, transdisciplinary, and hands-on methodology.
A key innovation is the close collaboration between young people and experts from architecture, craftsmanship, and municipal decision-making. Instead of creating abstract future visions, the youth develop concrete concepts for real spaces in their surroundings. By working directly with craft businesses and local representatives, a unique intergenerational knowledge transfer is established.
Furthermore, the project links climate change adaptation, vacancy management, and building culture with a practical educational approach. While traditional education formats often remain theoretical, participants here experience firsthand how they can actively shape their communities through real design and implementation processes.
Another innovative aspect is the long-term integration of youth work. The goal is for the project to eventually be supervised by youth workers, offering a diverse and low-threshold program. This includes communal cooking, upcycling projects, conflict management, decision-making processes, and the maintenance of a self-managed youth space.
Through this holistic approach, the project not only creates new spaces for young people but also fosters long-term responsibility, social skills, and awareness of building culture, sustainability, and active participation.
A key innovation is the close collaboration between young people and experts from architecture, craftsmanship, and municipal decision-making. Instead of creating abstract future visions, the youth develop concrete concepts for real spaces in their surroundings. By working directly with craft businesses and local representatives, a unique intergenerational knowledge transfer is established.
Furthermore, the project links climate change adaptation, vacancy management, and building culture with a practical educational approach. While traditional education formats often remain theoretical, participants here experience firsthand how they can actively shape their communities through real design and implementation processes.
Another innovative aspect is the long-term integration of youth work. The goal is for the project to eventually be supervised by youth workers, offering a diverse and low-threshold program. This includes communal cooking, upcycling projects, conflict management, decision-making processes, and the maintenance of a self-managed youth space.
Through this holistic approach, the project not only creates new spaces for young people but also fosters long-term responsibility, social skills, and awareness of building culture, sustainability, and active participation.
The project Crafting the Future: Young Visions for Living Spaces follows a participatory, transdisciplinary, and practice-oriented approach. The methodology combines action-based education with co-creative processes to actively involve young people in the design and development of real spaces.
Methodology: Craft & Building Culture
The Craft & Building Culture program is based on a broad participatory process focusing on cross-community projects. It connects craft, education, architecture, and regional development, combining traditional building culture with innovative solutions for challenges such as climate change adaptation, vacancy activation, and sustainable urban and town center development. Practical knowledge transfer, the revival of traditional craftsmanship, and the integration of social and ecological aspects are at its core.
Participatory Planning & Co-Creation
Young people are actively involved from the start. In interactive workshops, they develop concepts for using existing spaces together with experts in architecture, regional planning, and craftsmanship. Key topics include sustainability, town center revitalization, upcycling, and political participation.
Hands-On Implementation & Craftsmanship Experience
A key component is direct collaboration with craft businesses. Young participants gain practical experience in construction and design processes, acquiring craftsmanship skills and developing an awareness of resource-efficient building and regional value chains.
Long-Term Engagement & Self-Governance
The goal is sustainable youth participation. In a self-managed youth space, they create their own programs – from upcycling workshops and communal cooking to conflict resolution strategies.
This methodological approach fosters a sustainable, intergenerational process that empowers young people to actively shape their environment while promoting a vibrant, inclusive community.
Methodology: Craft & Building Culture
The Craft & Building Culture program is based on a broad participatory process focusing on cross-community projects. It connects craft, education, architecture, and regional development, combining traditional building culture with innovative solutions for challenges such as climate change adaptation, vacancy activation, and sustainable urban and town center development. Practical knowledge transfer, the revival of traditional craftsmanship, and the integration of social and ecological aspects are at its core.
Participatory Planning & Co-Creation
Young people are actively involved from the start. In interactive workshops, they develop concepts for using existing spaces together with experts in architecture, regional planning, and craftsmanship. Key topics include sustainability, town center revitalization, upcycling, and political participation.
Hands-On Implementation & Craftsmanship Experience
A key component is direct collaboration with craft businesses. Young participants gain practical experience in construction and design processes, acquiring craftsmanship skills and developing an awareness of resource-efficient building and regional value chains.
Long-Term Engagement & Self-Governance
The goal is sustainable youth participation. In a self-managed youth space, they create their own programs – from upcycling workshops and communal cooking to conflict resolution strategies.
This methodological approach fosters a sustainable, intergenerational process that empowers young people to actively shape their environment while promoting a vibrant, inclusive community.
The project offers an innovative, scalable approach to revitalizing rural areas by combining architectural heritage, craftsmanship, and youth participation. The developed methods and processes can be applied to other municipalities and regions, particularly where vacancy, population decline, and the loss of craft traditions pose challenges. A key aspect of the project is the active involvement of young people in planning and construction processes, which strengthens their sense of self-efficacy. This participatory method can be adapted to any community, promoting not only co-determination and responsibility but also the development of practical skills and an appreciation for craftsmanship.
Another transferable element is the sustainable use of existing buildings. Through simple renovation measures and a focus on resource-efficient construction, vacant spaces in many communities can be repurposed. This reduces the need for new construction and helps preserve regional architectural heritage. The use of upcycling techniques enables cost-effective, environmentally friendly designs that can be flexibly adapted to local conditions.
The intergenerational exchange between young people and local craft businesses is also a key transferable aspect. Working together fosters the transmission of traditional techniques and provides a hands-on introduction to architectural culture. This strengthens regional economic cycles and social cohesion within a community.
Thanks to the project’s modular structure, individual components can be applied according to regional needs. The insights gained are documented and prepared to serve as a guide for other municipalities pursuing similar initiatives. In this way, the project can inspire sustainable and community-driven development processes in rural areas.
Another transferable element is the sustainable use of existing buildings. Through simple renovation measures and a focus on resource-efficient construction, vacant spaces in many communities can be repurposed. This reduces the need for new construction and helps preserve regional architectural heritage. The use of upcycling techniques enables cost-effective, environmentally friendly designs that can be flexibly adapted to local conditions.
The intergenerational exchange between young people and local craft businesses is also a key transferable aspect. Working together fosters the transmission of traditional techniques and provides a hands-on introduction to architectural culture. This strengthens regional economic cycles and social cohesion within a community.
Thanks to the project’s modular structure, individual components can be applied according to regional needs. The insights gained are documented and prepared to serve as a guide for other municipalities pursuing similar initiatives. In this way, the project can inspire sustainable and community-driven development processes in rural areas.
The "Craftsmanship Meets Education" project addresses global challenges through local solutions that promote the sustainable development of rural areas. In response to demographic change, youth migration, and the loss of traditional craftsmanship, it offers concrete approaches to preserving and revitalizing regional architectural heritage.
A key aspect is the sustainable use of existing buildings and the promotion of a circular economy. Underutilized spaces are made functional again through resource-efficient renovation, reducing CO₂ emissions while preserving valuable building structures.
Actively involving young people in planning and construction processes enhances their sense of self-efficacy and awareness of sustainable development. By participating in shaping their living environment, they acquire practical craftsmanship skills and learn social responsibility. Engaging with local artisans helps preserve traditional techniques and strengthens young people’s connection to their region. Moreover, collaborative work fosters social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue—an important step in overcoming social isolation.
The project also strengthens economic resilience by supporting regional craftsmanship. It secures jobs, reinforces local economic cycles, and connects craft businesses, educational institutions, and municipalities to develop innovative solutions for vacancy and sustainable construction.
Overall, the project demonstrates how local solutions can address global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and the preservation of architectural heritage. By linking craftsmanship, architectural culture, and youth participation, it creates a transferable model that serves as a hands-on example of sustainable development in rural areas.
A key aspect is the sustainable use of existing buildings and the promotion of a circular economy. Underutilized spaces are made functional again through resource-efficient renovation, reducing CO₂ emissions while preserving valuable building structures.
Actively involving young people in planning and construction processes enhances their sense of self-efficacy and awareness of sustainable development. By participating in shaping their living environment, they acquire practical craftsmanship skills and learn social responsibility. Engaging with local artisans helps preserve traditional techniques and strengthens young people’s connection to their region. Moreover, collaborative work fosters social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue—an important step in overcoming social isolation.
The project also strengthens economic resilience by supporting regional craftsmanship. It secures jobs, reinforces local economic cycles, and connects craft businesses, educational institutions, and municipalities to develop innovative solutions for vacancy and sustainable construction.
Overall, the project demonstrates how local solutions can address global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and the preservation of architectural heritage. By linking craftsmanship, architectural culture, and youth participation, it creates a transferable model that serves as a hands-on example of sustainable development in rural areas.
The "Crafting the Future" project brings the NEB values—sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics—to life through concrete actions. The initiative combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative, resource-efficient construction concepts while fostering the active participation of young people.
So far, the NEB values have been integrated through participatory processes and hands-on educational formats. In school workshops, young people collaborated with craft professionals and architects to develop concepts for repurposing vacant buildings, focusing on sustainable construction methods, upcycling, and energy-efficient renovation. Actively involving young people not only enhances their sense of self-efficacy but also raises awareness of resource-conscious building and social responsibility. The intergenerational exchange between youth and experienced craft businesses helps preserve traditional knowledge and strengthens social cohesion.
The next phase involves the practical implementation of a youth center in a vacant building. Over multiple project weeks, young people will work alongside experts to create a non-commercial community space, using sustainable materials and resource-efficient techniques. The renovation follows circular economy principles, ensuring that existing materials are reused and the ecological footprint remains minimal. The design is guided by both aesthetic and functional aspects, resulting in an inspiring space for community engagement.
In the long term, the project aims to serve as a model for other rural communities. Its modular structure allows for flexible adaptation to regional needs while offering a practical application of NEB values. Through documentation and knowledge transfer, the insights gained will be prepared and shared to inspire similar initiatives.
So far, the NEB values have been integrated through participatory processes and hands-on educational formats. In school workshops, young people collaborated with craft professionals and architects to develop concepts for repurposing vacant buildings, focusing on sustainable construction methods, upcycling, and energy-efficient renovation. Actively involving young people not only enhances their sense of self-efficacy but also raises awareness of resource-conscious building and social responsibility. The intergenerational exchange between youth and experienced craft businesses helps preserve traditional knowledge and strengthens social cohesion.
The next phase involves the practical implementation of a youth center in a vacant building. Over multiple project weeks, young people will work alongside experts to create a non-commercial community space, using sustainable materials and resource-efficient techniques. The renovation follows circular economy principles, ensuring that existing materials are reused and the ecological footprint remains minimal. The design is guided by both aesthetic and functional aspects, resulting in an inspiring space for community engagement.
In the long term, the project aims to serve as a model for other rural communities. Its modular structure allows for flexible adaptation to regional needs while offering a practical application of NEB values. Through documentation and knowledge transfer, the insights gained will be prepared and shared to inspire similar initiatives.
