Zeynep: The world we live in is changing. This is a paradigmatic change. Our depleted resources, the crises we are facing, the new developments in technology, the unstoppable rise of capitalism, the destruction of nature by human hands. Just like at the beginning of the 20th century. So where are we in this? Where will we stop? And most importantly, what should we do now? When I think about all of this, “Bauhaus” stands in a place where I find inspiration.
Bartu: For me, New European Bauhaus represents a powerful opportunity to make meaningful changes to the built environment. This movement, which embraces sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, aims to create resilient and environmentally friendly communities. In addition, it has the potential to cultivate a collective desire for positive change and to spread its ideas beyond the borders of Europe through its impact.
Buket: This initiative, which is more relevant than ever in an age marked by environmental challenges and social inequalities, offers a holistic approach that nurtures a sense of togetherness and common purpose. Going beyond focusing on the construction of the built environment, New European Bauhaus also approaches the social fabric and its construction in line with the principles of sustainability, inclusion, and richness. In this way, it will shed light on discussions that can be considered solutions to the current physical and social conditions of our country.
Dilara: By emphasizing the importance of having imagination and envisioning the future, New European Bauhaus unites universal values and thus offers a meaningful and effective interaction platform for both current and future generations. It also stands out for its impact on architecture; it opens the doors to a new and sustainable understanding of architecture by taking into account the aesthetic, functional, environmental, and social effects of spaces.
DoÄŸa: It is a game that has no losers if played. When NEB settles into our lives, quality, aesthetics, and functionality also settle in, humanity wins. Waste production decreases, materials used are carefully selected, the environment wins. Local methods and habits are included in the solution, cultural heritage wins. Buildings and cities are designed and optimized by taking into account all components, the economy wins. Hearts win when society comes together to do something.
Duygu: In the face of the disasters, earthquakes, and fires that we have witnessed firsthand in the world and especially in Turkey, I often ask myself what we can do, other than accepting or just criticizing what exists. For this reason, I can define New European Bauhaus in my mind as a “concrete shape of a dream” by bringing together different colored puzzle pieces (I compose them with Bauhaus colors) by creating a “solution-seeking” solution alongside the problem by creating a network in Turkey and on a global scale and bringing together people who live with the same goals and dreams.
Elifnaz: In my opinion, NEB focuses on making everything we build sustainable, fair, and connected, using cultural solidarity and sustainable design to address global challenges. As Shigeru Ban has stated, it sees problems as an opportunity to make things better, inspired by his ideas about sustainability.
Eren: NEB, which is intended to be in line with the European Green Deal Action Plan and other EU white papers, long-term strategies, and other roadmaps (e.g., Digital Decade, Fit for 55, NextGenEU), proves that solutions to global problems can be implemented in a sustainable, aesthetic, and inclusive way for all members of society.
Furkan: In my opinion, NEB can be interpreted as both a return to the essence and an understanding of the essence. The interpretation of the values of the Bauhaus movement in line with the conditions of the present day and the spirit of the times keeps NEB in a link between the past and the present.
Pelin: The evaluation of designs at different scales and the integration of design, function, and aesthetic values in designs have the potential to shape the designs that emerge within the scope of this movement in a harmonious, environmentally sensitive way, starting from the smallest scale to the city, country, and even global scale.