The oPEN Lab project team in Tartu has initiated one on one meetings with the board members of the pilot area housing associations in the Annelinn neighbourhood. The aim of these meetings is to discuss the project value offer, uncover existing challenges, and to better understand the needs of the pilot area buildings. So far, the team has met with 13 housing associations. The discussions reveal that residents wish for a fresher look of their houses and feel the need to renovate; other than emergency repairs, most of the buildings have not undergone any substantial renovation in the last 30 years.
As the market price for renovation has increased considerably, creating a high need for additional support, board members of the housing associations are interested in the oPEN Lab project. An innovative solution that makes the renovation process less disruptive and quicker for the residents (e.g., through panels) is favoured. The final renovation decisions must be made by the qualified majority voting in each apartment building; meetings with the residents will kick start in the upcoming months.
