Welcome by Dr. Karl-Heinz Daehre
Minister for Regional Development and Transport of the Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt
Dr. Karl-Heinz Daehre //
Photo: Ministery for Regional Development and Transport of the Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt
Dear people of Saxony-Anhalt,
honoured guests,
The IBA Urban Redevelopment 2010 has overcome all opposition to take a bold and visionary approach to the phenomenon of shrinking cities. After eight years of intensive work, our respect is owed to all those – citizens, politicians, administrative associates, sponsors and experts – who have participated in our International Building Exhibition.
In many regions of Germany, in the east and now in the west, the demographic change makes it increasingly difficult to maintain the present level of public services, to secure the customary standard of living and to provide for a social balance. The challenge arising from this set of circumstances is exacting: to develop a qualitatively ambitious urban existence despite population decline and reduced funding.
19 towns and cities in Saxony-Anhalt have taken up this challenge, applying innovative methods to develop specific concepts geared to realising their individual profiles. We have consistently pursued a strategy which takes a proactive approach to the changes, develops innovative solutions to problem areas, and integrates citizens in the necessary redevelopment processes as the makers of their cities. In all modesty, we can now declare that our project is being watched with great interest worldwide.
In the IBA presentation year, we are delighted to present the outcomes of our work in the participating cities, including many well-regarded and prizewinning artistic and architectural interventions such as the Luther’s Birthplace Ensemble or the Drive Thru Gallery in Aschersleben. Pilot projects, which are fit for the future and may show the way forward in the field of urban redevelopment, are presented for debate. All the results of our work may be viewed in the large general survey exhibition “Less is Future” in the Bauhaus Dessau.
We look forward to extending a warm welcome to the many parties who are interested in attending our events. These range from specialised events on the themes of landscape, education and “service light” and the projects that link up the separate urban districts of Schönebeck to the “Discover Empty Space” project in Halberstadt and the “Monument Breakfast” in Quedlinburg, to name but a few examples from our calendar of events.
We all look forward to your visit and to a lively, exciting and constructive debate.
Welcome to Saxony-Anhalt!
Dr. Karl-Heinz Daehre
Minister for Regional Development and Transport of the Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt