Waffensen, Lower-Saxony, Germany

Even though Waffensen has lost its autonomy as a municipality, it successfully faces up to the challenges of the future thanks to a constructive partnership with Rothenburg ob der Wümme, a prudent political authority, and an extra ordinarily engaged population. Outstanding socio-cultural projects like the „return“ of the elementary school to the village, the creation of a multigenerational house, the planned construction of flats de-signed to senior needs impress just as much as the active integration of local businesses, the sensitive handling of the grown settlement structure, the use of traditional materials, and the fostering of the traditional landscapes in order to proclaim identity. Moreover, due to a solar initiative and the construction of wind turbines the community has given an exemplary local answer to a global issue.

Evaluated: 2012