Final Stretch for the Jena Façade Award – Interview with Department Head Dirk Lange

The final push is underway: Building owners have until the end of September to submit their new construction or renovation projects within the city limits of Jena for the 2026 Facade Award.  Since 1993, the award has recognized particularly exemplary renovation and design achievements and highlights the commitment of building owners, tradespeople, and planning firms to a high-quality urban landscape in Jena.

To mark the current application period, Dirk Lange, Head of the Department of Urban Development and Environment, discusses the significance of the Facade Award, the trend toward energy-efficient renovations, and the application process in an interview:

Interview with Dirk Lange, Head of the Department of Urban Development and Environment

Dirk Lange, Dezernent für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt

© Stadt Jena/ Anna Schroll

How important is the Facade Award to you, and how does it fit into urban initiatives?

In my view, the Facade Award exemplifies how private initiative and urban development goals can go hand in hand and bring about positive change that ultimately benefits everyone, because building owners and contributors receive recognition, and exemplary contributions to the cityscape are specially honored. It is thus an expression of civic engagement and has been a significant contribution to Jena’s urban community for 34 years.

How has the Facade Award evolved, and what role do the sponsors play in this?

The Façade Award has consistently attracted a steady number of participants, typically ranging from 10 to 20 applicants. The prevailing conditions—such as the state of the construction industry—play a role in this. The sponsors have consistently supported the Facade Award for many years. Without their commitment, we would not be able to point to this successful model. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the financial contributions and in-kind donations, but especially for the personal commitment shown by our sponsors over many years. With their help, we are able to offer prize money every year that has hovered around 10,000 euros for many years.

Since 2009, in addition to the Façade Award, there has also been a special prize for energy efficiency. How do you assess developments in this area?

The response has been outstanding. We see this in two clear trends: First, the overall sharp increase in the number of participants since 2009. Second, we’re pleased to see more and more applications from the commercial sector, which is increasingly emerging as a driving force for energy-efficient solutions.

How and by when can people still apply for this year’s Façade Award?

Anyone who has renovated their facade or is currently completing the renovation can apply to the City of Jena—which organizes and oversees the entire process—until the end of September. The project does not have to be completed this year. The easiest way to apply is to fill out the online form on the city’s website and attach informative photos. The Urban Planning Department is happy to assist with any questions. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage building owners to submit an entry. This allows you to receive an evaluation and recognition from the expert jury, and as a winner, you’ll have the chance to gain public recognition and receive prize money. A special highlight is always the very festive public awards ceremony at the end of the year, to which I’d like to invite anyone interested in Jena’s urban development.

1. Gewinner Fassadenpreis 2025 Coppanzer Weg 12

© paragram.de

Additional Information

The application materials are available online. Apply. 
For questions, please contactthe Urban Planning Department at 03641 49-5229 or fassadenpreis@jena.de. 
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on December 14, 2026, at the historic city hall.