The European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention is a distinguished biannual award given to remarkable projects in the field of architectural conservation and interventions among European Countries. Launched in 2013 by COAC and AADIPA as part of the plan with categories including restoration, rehabilitation, and urban planning interventions.
All projects from European countries are eligible, and assessed by the international jury using the criteria of intervention quality, historical authenticity, and sustainability. AADIPA becomes a vehicle for information sharing and endorses new approaches to heritage conservation, raising the importance of cultural and economic value.
Neue Nationalgalerie / David Chipperfield Architects
Location: Germany
The Neue Nationalgalerie by David Chipperfield Architects from Germany embodies a harmonious blend of perseverance and innovative design. The restoration was carried out in 1968 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the only European masterpiece left after moving to the continent. This entry for the European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention Major deals with the renovation and technical improvements that were undertaken to retain the building’s iconic look.
About more than 35,000 components were restored and reinstalled, and modern comfort features such as air-conditioning, and visitor facilities were provided while preserving Mies van der Rohe’s original design. The future of the project lies in its conservation-intervention approach, which preserves the tradition of the cultural heritage and architecture of the museum for future generations.
34 emergency dwellings / MIM-A
Location: Spain
This residential complex revamps communal living with considerate design features. Providing living space for 34 dwellings the project emphasizes public spaces, integrating three voids for light, ventilation, and spatial connectivity. Common areas such as bike storage, laundry facilities, and multi-purpose rooms are more conducive to community interaction. In addition, plenty of corridors and windows will allow daylight into all the rooms. The houses are composed of open and flexible areas for interaction and closed spaces for privacy. It is a unique idea that is committed to sustainable design and community building that will set a new benchmark for modern residential architecture.
Gruuthusemuseum / B-juxta architecten
Location: Belgium
The second phase in the restoration process led by B-juxta ended in late 2017. This milestone preserved the neo-Gothic richness of the Gruuthuse Museum while adapting to the present state of affairs. The meticulous restoration involved such details as the iconic sculptural rear facade, sturdy roofs, and stained-glass joinery.
The intricacy was extended to the 19th-century ceiling that was adorned with hanging vaults and the lively Studio+ attic with multicolored stencil paintings. The capacity was marked in the rebuilt lead-lined belvedere tower. The specialization of B-juxta made it possible to preserve the original intricate detail, although the building is in a state of modern comfort because they were attentive to the idea of the historical significance of the museum.
El Tanque Garden: Industrial Heritage and Nature / Fernando Menis
Location: Spain
The El Tanque Garden restores the historical importance of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with its first green public area coming from the post-industrial zone. Since 2014, the garden has been protected around a former oil tank yard, evoking a romanticized pre-industrial agricultural landscape. Conserving the intrinsic geometry, industrial ruins, and adjacent tank base helps in maintaining the cultural connection and community affiliation.
This entry for the European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention integrates traditions, nature, and recycling, the biodiverse garden was adorned with 700 trees and custom furniture that were created from recycled materials. Through thoughtful lighting and the preservation of industrial elements, El Tanque Garden, in contrast, not only improves the city’s appearance but also acts as a symbol of sustainable urban renewal and historical conservation.
Regeneration of the Gracia’s Neighbourhoods’ Urban and Environmental Improvement/ Jornet Llop Pastor Arquitectes, Gerència d’Urbanisme de l’Ajuntament de Barcelona
Location: Spain
Gracia District, one of the most historic parts of the city of Barcelona, used to be an agricultural and solitary area without any connection to the city. Its development went through industrialization and was the place where the city’s middle class was retreating, leaving the area with a special historical character. Recognizing its importance, initiatives are taken to protect its special atmosphere.
The Metropolitan General Plan Modification thoroughly reviews and rehabilitates urban ordinances and imposes heritage and social preservation while ensuring a protected housing supply and environmental sustainability. Setting standards equal to contemporary conservatism guarantees the district continues to capture the hearts of people for ages to come.
Integrated Rehabilitation of the Las Flores Neighborhood / TerritorisXLM, BCQ Arquitectura
Location: Spain
Las Flores, a part of Coruña, is dominated by the style of the 1960s, by which the best national architects of the Franco years left their reflection. Especially, JA Corrales’ Neighborhood Unit 3 received the National Architecture Award in 2001 of Spain’s Modern Movement and is generally considered to be one of the most significant buildings of the movement.
Nevertheless, the community pays attention to issues of housing repair and their lasting effects, especially for the elderly representing 30% of the population who are over 65. This entry for the European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention integrates rehabilitation of Las Flores (PDRI) and appears as a holistic measure to revitalize the locality. It involves the aspects of sustainability, efficiency, inclusiveness, and community health along with the preservation of its own identity.
In Conclusion
European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention recognizes and promotes magnificent projects in Europe focusing on conservation, innovation, and community participation. Ranging from restoring landmarks to renovating neighborhoods, they achieve a delicate balance between conserving history and innovation.
These projects celebrate cultural identity as well as encourage sustainable urban development for the generations to come. Embracing the European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention allows us to advocate for the conservation of our common culture and create inclusive, dynamic urban spaces all over the continent.
References:
- (No date) Architectural Heritage Intervention – European Award. Available at: https://eu-architecturalheritage.org/en/european-award (Accessed: 17 March 2024).
- Lajudheen, L. (2023) An overview of European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention Aadipa, RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a10625-an-overview-of-european-award-for-architectural-heritage-intervention-aadipa/ (Accessed: 17 March 2024).
