UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation
gmp exhibition is open at Architektur Galerie Berlin
On October 17, 2024, the exhibition UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation opened at Architektur Galerie Berlin. After being shown in Venice, Hamburg, and currently New York, the exhibition in Berlin, from October 18 to 26, focuses on modern buildings in the former East Germany.
For almost fifty years, the architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) have been engaged in conversion projects, with sixty out of nearly ninety projects completed to date. Each exhibition's concept is as unique and dynamic as each of the conversion projects. At Architektur Galerie Berlin, a prime example of Socialist Classicism located in Karl-Marx-Allee, three completed projects are presented as case studies for the preservation of East German modernist buildings: the Hyparschale Magdeburg (1969/2024), the Kulturpalast Dresden (1969/2017), and the Pressehaus at Alexanderplatz (1973/2023).
The selection exemplifies gmp's approach to conversion: based on thorough exploration, concepts are developed that are specifically tailored to the existing structures, whilst ensuring their contemporary use. At its core, the focus is always on the reactivation of what already exists in all its diversity. The past and present of the projects are presented through various media, including film, models, and drawings. A pictorial presentation highlights additional conversion projects by gmp in Berlin.
As part of the supporting program, the short film „TXL – Berlin Tegel Airport“ will be shown on Monday, October 21. This film won the Best Short Film award at the 2023 BARQ, the International Architecture Film Festival Barcelona. The screening will be followed by a panel talk with gmp Founding Partner Volkwin Marg and film director Lukas Schmid, moderated by Veronika Brugger.
On October 26, Christian Hellmund, gmp Partner responsible for the Hyparschale Magdeburg and the Kulturpalast Dresden, and Markus Pfisterer, gmp Associate Partner responsible for the Pressehaus at Alexanderplatz, together with co-curator Detlef Jessen-Klingenberg, Head of Communications at gmp, will lead a tour through the exhibition.
In parallel, and continuing until November 6, 2024, the exhibition UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation is on display at the Goethe-Institut New York. Using examples of different typologies, the focus here is on the current global challenges encountered in conversions. The transformation of high-rises is addressed, as well as the conversion of cultural and sports buildings in Europe and Asia. The exhibition is part of the Archtober program, the New York architecture and design festival, as well as the Open House New York Weekend.
Curators Stephan Schütz and Nikolaus Goetze with Detlef Jessen-Klingenberg
Curatorial Advisor and Editor Florian Heilmeyer
Exhibition October 18 – 26, 2024
Tue – Fri, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sat, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission free
Supporting program
Monday, October 21, 2024, 7:00 pm, film screening & panel discussion
TXL – Berlin Tegel Airport (short film, Germany 2022)
Discussion: Volkwin Marg, Founding Partner gmp, and Lukas Schmid, director
Moderation: Veronika Brugger
Saturday, October 26, 2024, 3:00 pm
Guided tour with curators
Christian Hellmund, gmp Partner, responsible for the Hyparschale Magdeburg and the Kulturpalast Dresden
Markus Pfisterer, gmp Associate Partner responsible for the Pressehaus at Alexanderplatz
Detlef Jessen-Klingenberg, co-curator, gmp Head of Communications
Architektur Galerie Berlin
Karl-Marx-Allee 96
10243 Berlin
www.architekturgalerieberlin.de
https://umbau.gmp.de
umbau@gmp.de
Kindly supported by:
ERCO
