Why are we demolishing homes during a housing crisis? | Olaf Grawert

The podcast explores the question of why homes are demolished, particularly during a housing and climate crisis. It argues that real estate speculation, driven by the pursuit of profit, fuels a cycle of demolition and new construction, treating homes as commodities rather than considering their social and ecological value. Architect Olaf Grawert highlights that the building sector is a major CO2 emitter and waste producer. He proposes a shift in the legal system to incentivize renovation and transformation, referencing the work of French architects Lacaton and Vassal, who prioritize the social and ecological value of existing buildings. Their renovation of the Grand Parc in Bordeaux, which improved residents' lives at a fraction of the cost of new construction, serves as an example of a systemic alternative to demolition. The podcast advocates for a European Citizens Initiative to promote renovation as the new norm.