Day of Architecture – 25th/ 26th of June 2005

By: Hatto Fischer, Athens

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In Germany this year’s ‘day of architecture’ stands under the theme ‘experiencing space´. Traditionally the day for architecture takes place in the last week of June, therefore this year 25th and 26th of June. In 2004 the day of architecture broke all records with 1690 projects in 660 cities and communities with 109.000 visitors.

The idea is to give visitors a manifold opportunity to visit and to experience the projects. By going on site, and discussing with architects, but also builders the concept and ideas linked to the concrete project, architecture becomes accessible. Almost all architectural chambers offer as well an extensive program with films, lectures, slide shows and discussions.

The building as an art work or extraordinary space

Following a world wide trend – see Guggenheim museum in Bilbao – the departure point for this year’s day of Architecture is the new Mercedes-Benz Museum designed by the Dutch architect Ben van Berkel. It stands for a multiple possibility to experience space. The building is 47,5 meters high and is constructed by interweaving a double helix. There are nine levels and has 16.500 square meters of exhibition space. The museum will house a collection of original Mercedes Benz models, including the big Mercedes 770 of Emperor Wilhelm II as well as the car used by Princess Diane. That is the first route a visitor can take. A second route takes the visitor through ‘mythical spaces’: a voyage through time to trace the 120 year history of Mercedes Benz. At a steep curve these two routes will meet and take the visitor into the museum space filled with ‘fascination technology’. Here the visitor can gain insights into research laboratories of Mercedes Benz.

Program for visitors on the day of Architecture

The website for the day of architecture in Germany indicates what programs are available in each of the Laender / states:

http://www.tag-der-Architektur.de

For example, if one is in Saxony, there can be visited on June 25/26, 2005 deep in the South of Leipzig, in one of the oldest settlement areas of Leipzig called Connewitz, a family house on Roßmäßlerstr. 16 in Leipzig-Connewitz (by appointment only).

It was constructed by

Minkus-Architekten

Hauptmannstr. 1, D-04109 Leipzig

Tel: +49 (341) 14 96 97 96

http://www.minkus.org

info@minkus.org

http://www3.aksachsen.org/index.php?id=655&no_cache=1&action=user_display_one&record=1014

 

Upcoming event: Istanbul Congress, 3 – 7.July 2005

Architecture and architects are challenged by various factors, lest by an urban environment coming under severe pressure due to a double alienation from both nature and people. While architects have already started to seek environmental friendly building materials to overcome the kind nihilism implicit in Tafuri’s statement that materials have no longer any meaning, the very concept of new constructions has become more than just an architectural, equally an artistic statement. Thus it is not surprising that one of the biggest events this year will attempt to reach out to a new form of multi cultural design and concept. At least the upcoming Congress of the International Union of Architects (UIA) hopes to bring about such an ‘universal consensus’ that buildings become recognizers of cultural diversities and thereby link up with what was the main theme of this year’s day of museums, namely ‘bridging cultures’.

Invitation

The 21st century has already introduced complex new priorities and challenges for the benefit of all humanity, regardless of differences in political conviction, race, faith, gender, geography, or economic condition. These emerging new values all focus on well-being and protection of the biosphere that all of us share as one community. The guiding principles in these evolving ethics include participation, partnership, economic and social equity, the conservation of resources, and the use of technology for the benefit of the environment and humanity. There is universal consensus on the need to work together towards a sustainable future for our built and natural environments...

During the Congress there will be awarded the Architectural price 2005 donated by UNESCO on the theme: "International Confrontation of Projects for Students of Architecture".

 

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