At the invitation of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, architects from across Europe, together with representatives of EU Member States and the European Commission, gathered last week at the Town Hall of Nicosia for the European Conference on Architecture. The conference explored the theme “Designing Tomorrow: Rethinking the Future of Europe’s Built Environment”, providing a timely platform for dialogue on the major challenges shaping Europe’s built environment.

In his welcome speech, ACE President Daniel Fügenschuh highlighted the urgent need for systemic transformation:

“The way we inhabit our planet is undoubtedly a driver of the climate and biodiversity crisis. The living environment we have created, and the way we manage it, consumes vast quantities of land, raw materials and fossil fuel energy. It also generates significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and waste. At the same time, many European countries and cities are experiencing a housing crisis, characterised by a shortage of affordable and quality housing.

The decisions we make today to address these challenges will determine whether we collectively succeed in creating sustainable, inclusive and high-quality living environments for future generations. This is where architectural policies come into play: by guiding stakeholders towards the most virtuous practices, they can drive systemic change, incentivise innovation, and ensure that sustainability and quality become the foundation of every project.”

© ACE/ KE.

During the conference, Daniel Fügenschuh and ACE Board Member Eugene Pănescu presented the ACE Prague Declaration on Affordable Housing, underlining the profession’s commitment to addressing Europe’s housing challenges through high-quality, sustainable architectural solutions.

ACE Secretary General Katharina Erdmenger also moderated the panel discussion “Rethinking Architecture as a Catalyst of Cohesion in the Built Environment”, which explored architecture’s role in fostering social cohesion, resilience and quality of life.

Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Center at the University of Cyprus © ACE/ KE.

The conference offered an excellent opportunity for ACE to present and discuss its policy positions on sustainable and affordable housing, while engaging directly with European policymakers, architects and planners from across the continent. It also enabled a valuable exchange of ideas and good practices on ensuring design quality in Europe’s future built environment.

‘Nicosia Municipality Town Hall’ by Irwin Kritioti Architecture

In the heart of the walled city of Nicosia, the new townhall provides a transparent interface between the civic and the public realms. Promoting participation & exchange of views, the building settles amongst the archaeological ruins that carry the history of the divided city. A glowing ’magic lantern’ at night, it provides a focus for regeneration.

Richard Dickon Irwin- Irwin Kritioti Architecture. Nicosia, Cyprus © George Rahmatoulin

ACE warmly thanks the Cypriot Presidency for its generous invitation and for hosting this stimulating event, which fostered enriching discussions on the future of architecture in Europe.