Olaf Grawert

This could happen all around the world because it is a real systemic alternative that actually could function anywhere.

So now some of you might think, well, that's a nice story, but it won't work for my house because I live in a single-family home, because I own an old apartment in a block, in a city block.

And this might be true.

This might not be your way.

But I can guarantee you as an architect that there's almost for every building a way to be renovated and transformed.

So this can be your story.

But, and here is a but,

Only if we manage to change the legal system that keeps the old value system in place.

We have to understand that the real innovation and real evolution is finding and recognizing the value in the existing.

Because the demolition of buildings is just as outdated as food waste, animal testing or single-use plastics.

All things that we as a society already agree on and have an understanding for.

And this is why we say we have to create a new system.

We have to create a common path and focus on one collective goal, which is to house Europe in the existing.

This is why we started an initiative, a European Citizens Initiative, which is a pan-European project, which has a clear mission, renovate, don't speculate.

Our movement aims to become the largest architectural initiative advocating for new laws to make renovation and transformation the new norm, a social, ecological, but also economic alternative to demolition and new construction, and all with the support of one million citizens across the EU.

And one million is not only the number of supporters we need, it's also the number of likes Paris Hilton got for her post.

So I ask everyone, if that many people can show support for one home lost in fire, imagine the impact that we can make together for the millions of homes that are up for demolition right now.

Thank you.