With wīlāri – Fachwerkweiler 2.0 – the rediscovered heritage, architects and project initiators Anja Schäfer and Cornelia Thielen are putting forward an unusual vision for discussion: stored, dismantled half-timbered houses are being rebuilt and connected to form a new, communal space for living and working. Traditional architecture meets innovative technology, new forms of living and a democratic development process. But how much of the past does the future need? What does it mean to build on historic structures rather than merely preserving them? And can collectively developed architecture truly provide new answers to the housing shortage, resource scarcity and social change? A moderator will discuss these issues with the two architects and project initiators of wīlāri, as well as with a philosopher, a heritage conservationist and a master carpenter.
The interactive panel discussion is based on the philosophical wīlāri Manifesto with its 10 theses. It sets out positions and questions on building culture, sustainability, craftsmanship, heritage conservation, community and the relationship between heritage and the future.
The audience is explicitly part of the discussion: the manifesto’s theses are not merely presented, but are jointly scrutinised, explored further and assessed for their suitability for the future.
wīlāri asks not only how we want to build, but also what we can build from what is already there.
More information at: WDC 2026