CONVERSION
INSTEAD OF
DEMOLITION?
(44 mins, ARD 2026)
CONVERSION
CONVERSION
INSTEAD OF
DEMOLITION?
(44 mins, ARD 2026)
There is currently a shortage of 1.4 million homes in Germany. At the same time, the vacancy rate for offices has risen with Corona and home-office dramatically. Architects and economists are now calling for empty office space to be converted into housing – a move from that would benefit people and the environment, which suffers from both new construction and the demolition of old buildings. There are already some successful examples of such conversions. However, the idea is at risk of failing due to international investors and unrealistic profit expectations.
Screenplay/Director: Hauke Wendler
Research: Andrea Pittlik
Editor: Sigrid Sveistrup
Camera: Boris Mahlau
Sound: Torsten Reimers, Robert Soldan
Commissioning Editor: Klaus Scherer (NDR/ARD)
Executive Producer: Hauke Wendler
Production: OTHER PEOPLE pictures
VOICES OF THE PRESS
“There is a shortage of housing in Germany – yet at the same time, more and more office space is standing empty. An ARD documentary highlights why the logical conclusion of ‘conversion rather than demolition’ is implemented far too rarely.”
(Jens Szameit, Merkur)
“TV tip of the day (…) This ARD documentary shows where the problem lies.”
(taz)
“How empty offices can be turned into flats (…) an ARD feature sheds light on the issue.”
(Hans Czerny, Stern)
“Grimme Award winner Hauke Wendler sets out to investigate a massive economic paradox: (…) The documentary reveals a devastating mix of entrenched bureaucracy, rigid town planning regulations and questionable financial incentives.”
(TV Spielfilm)
“Documentary tip (…) One of the most pressing social issues with the potential to undermine trust in democracy.”
(Spielfilm.de)
