For ten years now, the nationwide event series 'Designing Inclusively - Ideas and Good Examples from Architecture and Urban Planning' has provided continuous momentum for accessible planning and construction. Since its launch in 2016, forward-looking planning approaches have been discussed across a total of 24 regional conferences, spread across ten federal states and 15 cities. Through 77 presentations of successful practical examples, the format has demonstrated how to realise a built environment that is open to all parts of society.
The substantive scope of the conferences covers key action areas in spatial development. The topics addressed range from housing construction, open spaces and new urban quarters to working environments and tourism, through to heritage conservation, infrastructure measures and the complex challenge of building within existing fabric. The focus consistently rests on how functional accessibility can be reconciled with architectural quality, sustainability and economic viability.
Professional dialogue and nationwide reach
The initiative is backed by a partnership between the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities and the Federal Chamber of German Architects, together with their respective state chambers. Through this platform, around 6,500 professionals have been reached in person to date. In 2020 and 2021, numerous architects also followed the digitally broadcast conferences.
The stakeholders involved underscore the relevance of the format. Verena Bentele, current VdK president and former Federal Commissioner, launched the initiative a decade ago to ensure accessibility is integrated into design processes from the outset. Jürgen Dusel, who has held the office of Federal Commissioner since 2018, highlights accessibility as an essential quality feature for a modern country, which is gaining further significance in light of demographic change. Andrea Gebhard, President of the Federal Chamber of German Architects, in turn emphasises that inclusion becomes effective where shared aspirations are translated into built reality by committed clients and qualified planners.
25th conference to convene in Munich in October 2026
The initiative's tenth anniversary also marks the transition to the next phase of the programme: the 25th regional conference will take place on 26 October 2026 in the Bavarian state capital, Munich. Together with the Bavarian Chamber of Architects, the existing partners will host the specialist forum under the theme 'Designing Inclusively - Accessibility, Inclusion and Sport'. The aim is to examine the accessibility of sports and leisure facilities in greater depth using practical examples, and to continue the interdisciplinary dialogue on accessible architecture.
