Multi-level governance and design of impulse projects in International Building Exhibitions (IBA)

Abstract

As a 'temporary exceptional situation', International Building Exhibitions (IBA) address the pressing issues of our time in an unconventional and novel way. The open-ended process and format are designed for learning. Even the launch of an IBA contains learning moments for the subsequent process, as does the consolidation of the accumulated knowledge with the transition to the post-IBA phase. However, the central "learning mode" takes place through the individual projects or project networks of an IBA. The entire IBA process is thus decisively oriented towards the selection, development, monitoring and completion of projects, because it is only through the implementation of IBA projects that the respective IBA strategy comes to fruition. Simultaneously the path via the projects in many IBA processes proves to be tedious and full of stumbling blocks. Projects are supposed to be innovative and promise excellence, but an IBA can only advise and qualify projects, and in many cases only provide start-up funding for project development.

The German Federal Government's intention to strengthen the innovative power and excellence of IBAs through project funding offers a great opportunity to provide both guidance and stimulus. This will help each individual IBA and its communication with local and regional actors. It simultaneously promotes the overarching qualification and learning process between the IBAs. Regarding the research project "IBA as a catalyst for excellence in urban and regional development: supporting impulse projects in IBAs", the aim was to find ways of evaluating the future support of selected IBA projects, so-called impulse projects, by federal and state funding programs. The project addressed the following research questions: 1. What impulses do IBA projects develop? 2. What are the genesis and factors of success and failure of impulse projects? 3. What support and opportunities do IBA impulse projects need? The empirical research was based upon six comparative case studies including desk research and a series of expert workshops.

The results show that impulses from IBA projects develop at different speeds, but usually require long periods of time before their effects become apparent. The impulse effect of IBA projects can therefore only be assessed with a significant time delay. However, relevant dimensions of the impulse power of the projects can be estimated. These include, for example, learning effects for the continuous further development of a specific IBA during the exhibition period, the mobilization, empowerment and networking of actors, the creation of new constellations of actors, a rethinking of social and planning practices, pioneering work in planning and construction or the continued development of planning or funding regulations. In addition, the creation of favorable conditions can promote the emergence of IBA impulse projects.

The procedural features and characteristics of IBA projects, as well as their genesis, made it clear that support for IBA projects should not be reduced to financial support alone but also include professional support, public awareness as well as political support. As a result, a differentiated perspective on support and funding is proposed in a "trialogue" of perspectives. In this basic understanding, IBA impulse projects are developed in interaction between local project sponsors (1st perspective), the respective IBA (2nd perspective) and supporting third parties in the federal state, the federal government, the EU and other actors such as foundations (3rd perspective). These three perspectives form a multi-level context and interact with each other. The quality and potential of an IBA project is determined in a trialogue between self-assessment and external assessment and is reflected on a regular basis. Furthermore, the interaction of these three perspectives is dynamic during the course of the project.