News

The United Nations University to be a Partner of the Living Art of Building Initiative

The German Parliament supports the Living Art of Building initiative, enabling UNU-FLORES to establish an operating unit.

The German Parliament (Bundestag) has unlocked the funding in support of the Living Art of Building initiative. This large-scale research center will aim to revolutionize the construction sector at national, European and international level. 

For UNU-FLORES, the Living Art of Building initiative represents a significant opportunity aligned with two core pillars of the recently launched United Nations University Strategic Plan. Professor Edeltraud Guenther, Director of UNU-FLORES, has been appointed as a principal investigator to spearhead efforts focused on sustainability and internationalization at the Federal Research Centre for Climate-Neutral and Resource Efficient Construction that will be established with the Living Art of Building initiative. This is specifically aligned with the Knowledge pillar of the United Nations University new strategic plan. Moreover, a strong internationalisation effect is expected, especially in the Global South, which will contribute thematically in the research and development work and implement its results.

We are excited to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders to drive innovation and develop sustainable building solutions. This initiative marks a significant step towards advancing sustainability in construction practices.
Professor Edel Guenther

Related content

Journal Article

Circularity and no regrets? Multi-sector interaction in circular open innovation ecosystems in building and construction

This publication was released as part of the UNU-FLORES focus area Sustainable Buildings and Constructions.

23 Jun 2026

Seminar

Detecting Technological Trajectories: Emergence, Convergence, Divergence, and Dormancy in Innovation Dynamics

Our UNU-MERIT Seminar Series is pleased to promote an upcoming research seminar featuring Roney Fraga Souza from the Faculdade de Economia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brazil.

-