Shaping the future: How architecture and entrepreneurship come together

How can architects with an entrepreneurial mindset bring about lasting change in the world of construction? Carsten Hokema, former architect and initiator of the ‘Planning and Building’ future workshop, has been promoting the connection between architecture and entrepreneurship since 2004. In conversation with Johanna Richter, he explains why innovation, cooperation and new business models are essential for mastering the challenges facing the industry – and how the future workshop supports this.

Carsten, you were an architect, you are an entrepreneur and you support the Entrepreneurship Summit. How did the future workshop Planen und Bauen come about?

I have been interested in the connection between entrepreneurship and architecture since 2004. While entrepreneurship offers an open framework, the architectural profession is highly regulated. Nevertheless, I see enormous potential for entrepreneurial thinking in the generalist skills of architects. The Zukunftswerkstatt aims to highlight these connections and motivate people to develop innovative solutions for the world of construction.

What are the key challenges facing the industry?

Each group has its own challenges. Here are a few of them:

Architects: They are caught between complex projects, economic pressure, nonsensical regulations and an uncertain future.

Project developers: They need a stable economic environment and the prospect of acceptable returns.

Investors: As they are profit-driven, sustainable projects have become unattractive. Construction companies are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers and are under high pressure in terms of costs, time and quality.

Users: Ultimately, they bear the construction costs through their rent, but often have little influence on the planning. When it comes to housing, they have to take what is on offer. This is very unsatisfactory.

The key question is: How can the entire construction process be transformed to make it more sustainable, more economical and more innovative for all involved, and thus ultimately more attractive?

How does the Future Workshop intend to contribute to solving problems?

We cannot solve all problems, so we want to start by establishing a holistic view of construction. Our approach: Encourage smaller impact models as role models, because functioning sub-models can grow and set new standards. Establish rules for cooperation: cooperation instead of competition. Strengthen the culture of innovation: Architecture must also take an active entrepreneurial approach to addressing issues of the future.

Why is innovation so crucial in the architectural profession?

The world is constantly changing. Innovations arise from needs and generate new developments. Architects are not just building planners, but designers of living spaces. They must consciously see themselves as shapers of the future. The future means taking action instead of just adapting. An example: a flexible apartment can be used for different lifestyles IF ... and it is precisely this ‘if’ that is the starting point for sustainable construction.

Why do you think entrepreneurship and architecture go well together?

Architects are trained to deal with complex issues constructively and create functional end products. Entrepreneurship gives them the opportunity to break away from conventional structures and develop new, sustainable concepts. They bring analytical and creative skills that are essential for transforming the construction industry.

What other topics are important for the Future Workshop?

In addition to innovation, these include new work, cooperative planning processes (e.g. IPA contracts) and an entrepreneurial attitude within the industry. Real transformation requires conscious decisions by all stakeholders.

What is the vision of the Future Workshop?

Cooperation instead of competition. Today, construction is often seen as a battle – that has to change. Instead, we need an understanding of a joint effort that everyone involved can be proud of.

What are the next steps?

We are currently launching a series of ‘future talks’** to identify bottlenecks and needs. We also offer strategy and business model workshops and are considering a service platform for architectural firms, prospective builders and project developers in the medium term.

 

 

Thank you very much for the interview! We will definitely stay in touch and see you at the next summit. Thank you, Johanna! I look forward to the exchange and our next steps!