FRH, COMECE and the Catholic Private University of Linz presented their NEB Lab project proposal

The NEB Lab project proposal titled “Renovation, transformation, and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU” was presented on 11 September to New European Bauhaus (NEB) Community in an online pitching session moderated by Borut Cink, Policy Officer in the New European Bauhaus Unit at Joint Research Centre at the European Commission.

The project partners, the Catholic Private University of Linz, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), and Future for Religious Heritage (FRH), emphasised the need for a multidisciplinary and participatory approach to preserve and repurpose these buildings, taking into account their material and immaterial values, such as respect for heritage, individual and collective memories, spiritual practices, and cultural functions.

The project aims to address the challenges faced by these buildings, which are not only significant cultural and historical assets but also important social hubs, particularly in small towns and villages.

After its official approval by the European Commission, the project plans to organise an opening workshop, gather practical examples of renovation, transformation and renewal, and engage in a high-level dialogue with politicians and stakeholders across Europe.

Watch the recording of the pitching session