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Exploring the Renovation Wave as an Opportunity to Improve the Living Environment
Exploring the Renovation Wave as an Opportunity to Improve the Living Environment
The Estonian Museum of Architecture’s discussion series "(H)arutus" focused on how the renovation wave can be turned into an opportunity to enhance the spatial value of our living environment and what are the main obstacles on this journey.
The discussion was attended by Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet, support measures and construction law experts Keidi Kõiv and Marina Lapidus from RASK law firm, and builder Kristjan Soomets from Balti Vara Ehitus. The discussion was moderated by architects Elina Liiva and Keiti Lige, who represent Estonia at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale.
The discussion was attended by Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet, support measures and construction law experts Keidi Kõiv and Marina Lapidus from RASK law firm, and builder Kristjan Soomets from Balti Vara Ehitus. The discussion was moderated by architects Elina Liiva and Keiti Lige, who represent Estonia at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale.
Key challenges in renovation
The discussion focused on how to make renovation decisions and what obstacles hinder the wider spread of renovation. The biggest challenge was considered to be financial constraints, as high-quality renovation is expensive and access to support measures is uneven. The complexity of creating common understandings was also highlighted, especially in large apartment buildings, where residents’ consent must be obtained to start renovation work.
RASK’s sworn attorneys highlighted that transparent communication is often lacking in the initial phase of the renovation process. Apartment owners often lack an understanding of the necessity and benefits of renovation, which is why better information and support in project management are needed. Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet emphasized that renovation has so far been an option for higher-income residents, which is why less affluent areas in particular need more supportive measures and information.
RASK’s sworn attorneys highlighted that transparent communication is often lacking in the initial phase of the renovation process. Apartment owners often lack an understanding of the necessity and benefits of renovation, which is why better information and support in project management are needed. Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet emphasized that renovation has so far been an option for higher-income residents, which is why less affluent areas in particular need more supportive measures and information.
The 2050 target – is it realistic?
The discussion raised the question of whether Estonia will be able to renovate nearly 14,000 apartment buildings by 2050. Builder Kristjan Soomets expressed doubts about whether this goal is achievable, given resource constraints and labor shortages. At the same time, he pointed out that the development of various renovation techniques, such as factory renovation, could help speed up the process and reduce costs.
Minister Svet highlighted that financing for renovation depends largely on European Union support measures and the distribution of CO2 funds. Although several support measures are in place today, ways to strengthen cooperation between the private sector and the state still need to be found.
Minister Svet highlighted that financing for renovation depends largely on European Union support measures and the distribution of CO2 funds. Although several support measures are in place today, ways to strengthen cooperation between the private sector and the state still need to be found.
Quarterly renovation and the role of local governments
One of the main topics of the discussion was quarterly renovation, which would allow for joint solutions to improve both buildings and their surroundings. In practice, however, simultaneous renovation of several buildings is complicated, as it requires coordination between residents and apartment associations and risk mitigation. RASK lawyers pointed out that legal and administrative risks can hinder such projects.
Minister of Infrastructure Svet emphasized that the role of local governments in renovation should increase – municipalities should be more active clients and guides so that the renovation process would also reach areas with lower renovation activity. In addition, the need to create better opportunities for informing and advising residents was highlighted in order to ensure a broader understanding of the benefits of renovation.
Minister of Infrastructure Svet emphasized that the role of local governments in renovation should increase – municipalities should be more active clients and guides so that the renovation process would also reach areas with lower renovation activity. In addition, the need to create better opportunities for informing and advising residents was highlighted in order to ensure a broader understanding of the benefits of renovation.
How to ensure the sustainability of renovation?
The discussion also addressed various economic models that could reduce the financial burden on residents during renovation. One option was to consider greater involvement of the private sector and the participation of local governments in renovation projects. One solution could be, for example, the option of adding floors to buildings as part of the renovation, which would remain under the management of the municipality or the private sector, bringing additional income and reducing the financial burden on residents.
The discussion concluded that renovation is a long-term process that requires a systematic and well-thought-out approach. As the housing stock in Estonia is aging and the need for renovation is increasing, it is important that the state, local governments and the private sector contribute to finding solutions.
The discussion concluded that renovation is a long-term process that requires a systematic and well-thought-out approach. As the housing stock in Estonia is aging and the need for renovation is increasing, it is important that the state, local governments and the private sector contribute to finding solutions.
Summary
According to experts, the pace of renovation in Estonia has been impressive so far, but achieving long-term goals requires greater planning and a more active role for local governments. Promoting quarterly renovation and using factory-made solutions could help speed up renovation and make it more widely available.
In the future, it is important that renovation decisions are not only the privilege of wealthier residents, but that subsidies and information activities help to involve less wealthy regions as well. Estonia faces a major challenge, but conscious and determined action can help turn the renovation wave into a real success story that improves the quality of the entire living environment.
"(H)arutus" is a conversation series of the Estonian Museum of Architecture, which focuses on topical issues in society that intersect with spatial culture and architecture. The conversation will bring together experts from different fields of life who will try to unravel the topic in question and offer solutions from the perspective of their specialty.
In the future, it is important that renovation decisions are not only the privilege of wealthier residents, but that subsidies and information activities help to involve less wealthy regions as well. Estonia faces a major challenge, but conscious and determined action can help turn the renovation wave into a real success story that improves the quality of the entire living environment.
"(H)arutus" is a conversation series of the Estonian Museum of Architecture, which focuses on topical issues in society that intersect with spatial culture and architecture. The conversation will bring together experts from different fields of life who will try to unravel the topic in question and offer solutions from the perspective of their specialty.