BIØN is a network of organisations active in low impact building techniques. Our aim is to share knowledge, practices and experiences to contribute to the built environment and to our communities.
The network has been a driving force in bio-construction since the start in 2015. We engage in building, sharing knowledge and practices, supporting more communities in their visions of a more sustainable development.
Our Principles
Hands on Learning
We believe in sharing our knowledge through taking part in making the change. We build structures as a way of teaching techniques, processes and bio-construction.
Locally Sourced
We work with local materials, and build structures with a low carbon footprints. We revive traditional techniques to fit for todays needs.
Community Driven
We think development should be founded on the needs of the community. We work in partnerships and support local initiatives.
Design as a Tool
Our designs aim to show the potential of natural materials, meet community needs and promote bio-construction.
The built environment can be a powerful tool. A new building can make space for new functions, but even more so, it can make people reimagine their community. Being invited to become makers of their society.
In a series of workshops, this network has completed 6 structures and counting, all across Europe. Exploring alternative ways of building, focusing on co-creation, local materials and building communities.
This diverse network is represented by eight partners from six different countries. Our partners all come from different fields; NGO’s, cooperatives, businesses and academia.
Learn Bi0n II 2019-2022
Five architecture projects are built during training events in cooperation with local communities in the involved countries. Each intervention focuses on a specific technique and utilising video as a means of documentation. Staff training will focus on the placemaking processes and the knowledge of social ecosystems.
Objectives
Improve the access to quality information about low impact building techniques
Increase the skills for construction workers, NEET, migrants, refugees, students, professionals and other adults.
Increase awareness about low impact techniques
Develop strategies to maximise participation and generate inclusive communities
Improve the connection between formal and informal learning systems
Improve placemaking and social ecosystems
Partners
Oficinas do Convento
ACTYVA – Miga
Architectural Environmental Strategies
Architettura a Kilometro Zero
ARCò – architettura e cooperazione
Canya Viva
La Haute École de Bruxelles-Brabant
Science PO Grenoble
Budget
€ 270 000
Learn Bi0n I 2015-2018
Six architecture projects are built during training events in cooperation with local communities in the involved countries. Each intervention focuses on a specific technique. Thanks to funds from the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, the BIØN-partners established a blended mobility agreement that allows participants from each country to participate in workshops of other partner countries. Further participants are recruited locally among students, professionals, NEETs or simply curious citizens.
Objectives
Improve the access to quality information about low impact building techniques
Increase the skills for construction workers, NEET, migrants, refugees, students, professionals and other adults.
Increase awareness about low impact techniques
Develop strategies to maximise participation and generate inclusive communities
Improve the connection between formal and informal learning systems
Improve standards of natural and recycled materials use in building
Partners
Oficinas do Convento
Architectural Environmental Strategies
Architettura a Kilometro Zero
ARCò – architettura e cooperazione
Canya Viva
Dehesa Tierra
La Haute École de Bruxelles-Brabant
Budget
€ 220 000