Workshop: Can the New European Bauhaus be an answer to the challenges Icelandic architecture and design face?

On Wednesday 4 June 2025, Green Building Council in Iceland, in collaboration with the Architects Association of Iceland held a workshop in Wednesday June 4th, 9:30-11:00 in Fenjamýri, Gróska between 9:30 - 11:00. The lecture was hosted by Katarzyna Anna Jagodzinska from The Green Building Council with the main lecture spoken in English and its discussion in both Icelandic and English. Aesthetics and sustainability Interlacing sustainability into the tapestry of Icelandic architecture and design has been discussed for several years; we often have focused on its environmental dimension though. However, social aspects of sustainability are gaining more and more attention, especially in light of recent discussions on the aesthetics of new Icelandic buildings. Can these pieces be combined together? The New European Bauhaus (NEB) concept could answer this question as it blends sustainability with aesthetics and inclusivity in construction, defining these three and giving them a more specific and practical dimension, almost at the edge of measurability. That's why, at the event, we'd like to introduce NEB and, after making it more familiar, reflect on its usability in the Icelandic context with participants. Can it aid in solving issues Icelandic architecture and design face? What could we take from it and interweave into our thinking? At the event, we'll try to answer these questions by brainstorming in roundtable discussions. What is the New European Bauhaus? New European Bauhaus (NEB) is a policy and funding initiative that makes green transition in built environments and beyond enjoyable, attractive and convenient for all. Even the smallest communities on the ground deserve living spaces that improve their well-being and sense of belonging. The initiative promotes solutions that are not only sustainable, but also inclusive and beautiful, while respecting the diversity of places, traditions, and cultures in Europe and beyond.