Edited by Elli Mosayebi & Michael Kraus

Most of Europe’s housing was built between 1945 and 1975. In only 30 years, the stock was not only renewed, but also significantly expanded. The public sector played a key role, as states and participating institutions sought a way to tackle the existing housing shortage. They also recognised a unique opportunity to implement their political ideals. For the first time, The Renewal Of Dwelling. European Housing Construction 1945-1975 presents how such a fundamental renewal of dwelling and its architectural implementation was achieved. Comparison between individual projects reveals universal themes, as well as local aspects integrated into the architecture. Today, many of the presented buildings are in danger of being demolished or have already been removed; the dominant narrative is one of deficiencies. This book aims to renew the existing narrative and thereby inspire a positive approach to such post-war buildings. The study is based on 54 selected settlements and buildings from Zagreb, Cologne, Oslo, Porto, Lyon, Athens and the region of Liverpool/Manchester and Leeds/Sheffield.