The Desire – Designing the Irresistible Circular Society, one of six flagship projects under the EU’s New European Bauhaus initiative, is the first to be completed. As the name suggests, the project’s goal has been to encourage the construction industry to think and act differently—ensuring that circular solutions become the most attractive solutions. Among other things, new collaboration models between local stakeholders and decision-makers have been tested and documented. Additionally, the project has demonstrated how deeper involvement of the people who will live in these cities can lead to lasting, sustainable changes, and how art, as a method, can help build trust and ownership of construction projects.
Knowledge and Tools Compiled
The digital platform chat compile knowledge and tools, includes publications, 15 concrete tools and methods, as well as information on eight pilot projects: three in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Latvia, two in Italy, and three in Denmark.
One example is the Danish pilot project ‘Haveværten’ (The Garden Host) in Herlev. Here, artists invited local residents from a former industrial area to explore the emerging nature in their new neighborhood. The artists took turns acting as ‘garden hosts’ in a large greenhouse bubble placed on the site where an old asphalt factory once stood. From this space, they explored nature’s presence in everything—from weeds between the paving stones to trees and bushes along the roadsides, and the birds and insects in the grass.
The Herlev project illustrates how art can be used as a method to create awareness of nature’s role and the coexistence of different species—not just humans. The idea is that increased attention to nature can drive change and foster a sense of ownership, for example, by encouraging residents to protect their surroundings—whether by reusing, repairing, or using fewer materials in future renovations—ultimately moving toward a circular society.
A Network to Rethink Construction in Europe
Another key outcome of the Desire project is the establishment of a new interdisciplinary network called ‘Irresistible Cities Lab (ICL)’. This network will serve as a collaboration platform and community of practice where urban planners and other green transition stakeholders can come together to shape the sustainable cities of the future. The goal is to share innovative ideas, strengthen relationships, and co-create solutions based on the values outlined in the New European Bauhaus initiative—focusing on inclusion, sustainability, and aesthetics to rethink the future of European construction.
Results Built on an Interdisciplinary Approach
The organisations involved in Desire represent not only different countries but also various professional fields. This allows the leverage of a broad pool of knowledge and experience from architects, designers, NGOs, artists, housing associations, consultants, local authorities, and universities across Europe.
According to Torben Klitgaard, CEO of BLOXHUB, who led the project, this holistic approach is crucial:
“The Desire consortium is a diverse community of practice, and it is precisely this interdisciplinary approach that is needed to transform Europe’s cities. Desire has changed the way we work and think, providing us with a new perspective on the green transition.”
