Urban Repair as a Collective Task

The concept of urban repair is at the centre of the white paper published in February 2024 by the real estate developer ehret + klein in collaboration with the Frankfurt School Real Estate Institute (FS REI). It is the first publication in the new white paper series “ek Knowledge.” In their analysis, the authors focus on the further development of our cities as a complex challenge involving many stakeholders. They argue that urban repair can only succeed as an ecological, cultural, social and economic project if all stakeholders are heard.

As part of the newly launched white paper series, current topics in the real estate industry will be regularly analysed and discussed. “The aim is to take a deeper look at issues that are shaping the real estate industry and, ultimately, to develop a paper in a joint approach between academic representatives and industry experts that provides ideas and recommendations on specific challenges within complex subject matters,” explains Kerstin Hennig, Professor of Management Practice in Real Estate at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.

The first white paper, “Urban Repair 360°,” addresses a complex issue that affects our daily lives – the development of cities and the design of our living and working environments – something that concerns and interests us all, particularly when the urban fabric no longer functions properly.

It is clear that the continuous generation of knowledge plays a decisive role if our cities are to remain vibrant, liveable and resilient. For this reason, FS REI, together with ehret + klein, has conceptualised “ek Knowledge” as an ongoing series. Further white papers will therefore follow.