BAK presents model conversion regulations as a contribution to the sustainable development of cities and municipalities

On May 19, 2023, the German Federal Chamber of Architects (BAK) presented a concrete proposal for a new model building code to Federal Minister of Construction Klara Geywitz during the opening weekend of the Venice Architecture Biennale. The proposal shows how the building codes of the federal states need to be adapted in order to promote the preservation of existing buildings in the sense of sustainable use of natural and existing resources. Furthermore, redensification in existing buildings and neighborhoods is to be facilitated and, in this context, a strong focus is to be placed on green infrastructure. The aim is to achieve a compact urban and settlement structure with high-quality open spaces while preserving as much building fabric as possible.

"The new model building code proposes overdue relief for variances both for existing buildings and for innovative resource-saving construction methods in new buildings. In addition, we advocate for the retention of requirements from the time of origin of the building in the existing building, if this does not conflict with general protection goals of the building code," explains Andrea Gebhard, President of the Federal Chamber of Architects.

Central requirements are:

• Additions and change of use by retaining requirement of the original building class are to be facilitated.
• Introduction of a separate paragraph to the inventory, in order to deal with its special features.
• Regulation of holistic life cycle considerations for the deconstruction of buildings and, in principle, for new buildings in a uniform federal building resource law.
• Introduction of the qualified open space plan (QFP) for bundled evidence of stormwater retention, promotion of biodiversity and avoidance of heat islands on planned properties.

Within the BAK, the remodeling ordinance (PG) project group developed the proposal with the participation of all 16 state architectural associations. In the process, a synopsis of the building codes of the states was compiled and suitable regulations were formulated in the sense of the protection of existing buildings. Furthermore, a proposal of the Bund Deutscher Landschaftsarchitekt:innen bdla on the qualified open space plan was largely adopted.

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