Junk Bonus.

VW Golf 1972

When, like in Germany, people get paid for scrapping old cars, the question rises whether we should do the same with our buildings? The “junk-bonus” of about 2,500 Euro ($3,250) per car, is a plan to save the German automotive industry, however, it is highly controversial. The program should both motivate people to buy new fuel efficient cars and boost automobile sales. The criticism - some old cars are still in excellent shape and eco-friendly, whereas the brand new air-conditioned 4-wheel car isn’t – is evident. Moreover, what’s about a bonus for people switching from car to public transportations?

Not all old cars are ready for the junkyard and the same applies to buildings. But what to do with empty, unsalable, environmentally unfriendly houses?

18th century building demolished – shortly before it got protected. A way to make room for real estate projects (see Denkmalschutz-Groteske in Margareten)