UMBAU
Nonstop Transformation
UMBAU (conversion) means the continuous transformation of existing structures. Considering today’s climate goals, UMBAU must move from being the exception to becoming the rule. The kick-off of the travelling exhibition by gmp at Salone Verde in Venice discussed recent case studies of conversion practices from the 21st century dealing with the architectural heritage of the Moderne movement. What the projects have in common is a conceptual approach to UMBAU, which, starting from a comprehensive inventory of the existing, continues and develops the old as an architectural evolution. UMBAU is not unique, but continues into the future as a Nonstop Transformation, as a collaboration spanning generations.
UMBAU has been part of gmp's practice for nearly fifty years. Seven out of sixty projects of this kind were presented in the UMBAU Nonstop Transformation exhibition, including projects that have been completed, that have been under construction, and projects in the planning phase. The buildings represent 20th century architecture from Germany and China. On display were the Berlin State Library at the Kulturforum (1978 / since 2019), the Berlin Olympic Stadium (1936 / 2004), the Kulturpalast Dresden (1969 /2017), concrete shell constructions like the Hyparschale in Magdeburg (1969 / 2024) and the Alster-Schwimmhalle in Hamburg (1973 / 2023). It also featured the transformation of Shanghai's largest stainless steel factory (1986 / since 2021) into the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and the transformation of a former transformer building in Munich (1929 / 2021) into the Isarphilharmonie at Gasteig HP8. The exhibition traces processes of the continuous transformation of the buildings - from original to UMBAU.
Exhibition
May 19 - November 26, 2023
Salone Verde
Sestiere Santa Croce 2258, Calle della Regina, 30135 Venice
