NEUBAU: Flexible Self‐Build Cities in Germany

Can the individuality of self‐build and the orderliness of planned urbanism come together, while ensuring future adaptability? Cologne‐based practice BeL Sozietät für Architektur have been investigating through NEUBAU – affordable development initiatives for urban peripheries. From an initial hybrid of multistorey housing and self‐build erected for a major exhibition, to broader proposals for the outskirts of Hamburg, Leipzig, Düsseldorf and Munich, NEUBAU involves a co‐productive process between architects, planners and users that can reduce costs and help build communities – as BeL cofounders Anne‐Julchen Bernhardt and Jörg Leeser explain.