#30 Alina Kolar & Jesper Eis Eriksen

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In this episode, Alina Kolar from HouseEurope! and Jesper Eis Erisksen of the OBEL Foundation discuss the growing movement to prioritise renovation over demolition in Europe’s built environment. Alina introduces HouseEurope!, a European Citizens’ Initiative aiming to shift the construction sector towards sustainable renovation. Backed by over 200 partners—from architects and environmental groups to grassroots campaigns—the initiative advocates for legal and financial tools to make renovation more accessible, affordable, and mainstream. One of their most impactful findings is that one house is demolished every minute in Europe, often unnecessarily, causing waste and carbon emissions.

The recent OBEL Award, presented to HouseEurope!, marked a significant moment: a major architecture prize recognising a civic initiative rather than a physical building. Jesper explains that the OBEL Foundation seeks to provoke discussion and broaden what architecture can represent—highlighting that architects should not only design buildings but actively shape society. The conversation also touches on cultural differences across Europe regarding building preservation, the increasing focus on retrofit in architectural education, and the crucial role of public participation in shaping urban policy. Alina explains her interdisciplinary background and how HouseEurope! aims to empower citizens to reclaim a stake in their built environment.

Looking ahead, the initiative is gathering support through a legal proposal submitted to the European Commission, seeking to reduce barriers to renovation, such as cost, regulation, and lack of awareness. HouseEurope! envisions similar movements beyond Europe—perhaps even “House Africa” or “House America.” The episode ends with a clear message: tackling the climate crisis requires rethinking the way we build and live, and citizen action—even as simple as signing a petition—can drive systemic change.

Host: Juan A. Morillas – Share Your Green Design

Alina Kolar‘s work focuses on building sustainable frameworks for arts, architecture, culture and publishing, balancing creative and financial considerations while maintaining independence and critical engagement. With experience spanning cultural management, editorial strategy, and global communication, she collaborates with institutions, individuals, and organizations on projects that challenge conventional industry models and rethink value in the creative economy. She has worked across the public and private sectors of arts and culture for over a decade, co-founding and leading an international art newspaper, publishing house, and philanthropic organization. As chief executive of a composite brand operating across both non-profit and for-profit models, she has managed complex organizational structures, international partnerships, and strategic development in the creative sector.

Jesper Eis Eriksen is an art historian and urbanist, Jesper started as an entrepreneur but transitioned to academia where he spent many years studying concepts of value and the influence of urban environments on human wellbeing. Gathering this experience and knowledge was key in developing a new philanthropic organisation with a focus on collaborative and cross-disciplinary elements of architecture. Since 2018, he has been working closely with an insightful group of jurors and a small dedicated team to create an international architecture award, unique in character, supported by educational and collateral programs, all in the service of both people and the planet.

• Signature page to the campaign: https://eci.ec.europa.eu/052/public/#/screen/home 
• The ACE sector study: https://ace-cae.eu/publication/ace-2024-sector-study/ 
• HouseEurope! website: https://www.houseeurope.eu/ 
• The campaign materials, if you would like to support them: https://linktr.ee/houseeurope.eu