Neext Real Estate Forum – Building Bridges Dialogue: “From Assets to Cities – Rethinking Urban Transformation Across Europe”
- Sara Bihler
- 29 April 2026
- BCCG Commentary
neext is the new European ecosystem for transformation that brings together leaders
from real estate, infrastructure, and industry to drive cross-border dialogue and
actionable change. It creates spaces for authentic exchange and collaborative solutions
across disciplines and markets.
As part of our upcoming neext Real Estate event on July 7–8 in London, hosted with and
at Gensler, we will bring together guests from across Europe for the Building Bridges
Dialogue. The event aims to foster cross-border exchange on the future of cities,
connecting perspectives from different markets, disciplines and asset classes.
The Next Chapter of European Cities: Rethinking Assets, Space and Sustainability
European cities are currently facing a period of significant transformation. Shifting economic conditions, evolving workplace expectations and increasing sustainability
requirements are reshaping how urban spaces are designed, developed and utilized. In
this context, collaboration across disciplines including investors, architects, developers
and urban planners is becoming increasingly important to address complex challenges
and unlock new opportunities.
Drivers of Urban Transformation
Recent industry discussions show that urban transformation is not driven by a single
factor, but by the interaction of design, market dynamics and sustainability goals.
Architecture plays a key role, particularly in integrating modern interventions into
existing urban contexts. Heritage buildings illustrate this challenge: balancing
preservation with contemporary requirements. Increasingly, existing structures are seen
not as constraints, but as assets that can be repositioned through adaptive reuse and
thoughtful design.
At the same time, market conditions are shifting, requiring new approaches to risk,
investment and asset management. The ability to transfer innovation across cities and
regions is becoming a critical success factor, enabling stakeholders to adapt proven
concepts to local contexts and accelerate development processes.
Shifting Use and Value of Space
The transformation of the workplace highlights a broader shift. Offices are no longer
purely functional, but must attract talent, foster collaboration and reflect identity. This
requires more user-centric design and greater flexibility in how space is planned and
experienced.
Across Europe, developments unfold unevenly. Markets such as Germany and the UK
face different regulatory and economic conditions. Yet common themes emerge:
repositioning existing assets, optimizing space usage and developing resilient, future-
oriented strategies.
From Development to Asset Transformation
The focus is increasingly shifting towards implementation. Transforming underutilized
assets is becoming a key lever for value creation, especially in times of market
adjustment. Rather than relying on new developments, stakeholders are prioritizing the
adaptation of existing buildings to meet evolving demands.
Urban Competitiveness and Circularity
Cities are intensifying efforts to attract global talent. Innovation ecosystems, urban
quality and the built environment are becoming decisive factors for investment and
long-term competitiveness, highlighting the growing link between urban development
and economic strategy.
At the same time, circularity is emerging as a central element of this transformation.
Moving away from linear models, construction increasingly treats materials as reusable
assets with multiple life cycles, contributing to both sustainability and long-term value
creation.
Conclusion
Overall, the transformation of European cities requires an integrated approach that
combines architectural innovation, market understanding and sustainable practices.
While the challenges are complex, they also present an opportunity to rethink
established models and develop more resilient and adaptable urban environments.
Sara Bihler
Consultant Business Transformation and Networkmanagement, Drees & Sommer