PAULSKIRCHE – A MONUMENT UNDER PRESSURE
DAM Deutsches Architekturmuseum Schaumainkai 43, Frankfurt am MainIn the hope that Frankfurt would become the new German capital, the Paulskirche was rebuilt as a potential seat for the parliament in 194748, having been severely damaged by bombing raids. For this building task of national importance, the „Paulskirche Planning Committee“ was established, which, besides the prominent church architect Rudolf Schwarz, included his former staff member Johannes Krahn, the winner of an early competition Gottlob Schaupp as well as Municipal Planning Councilor Eugen Blanck. They wanted to “represent an image of the difficult path that our people must walk in this their most bitter hour” and created a deliberately sober space that symbolizes the new democratic era. By now, the Paulskirche has become a ceremonial hall where nationwide debates have their origin. However, its architectural quality is seldom acknowledged. The exhibition outlines the history of its construction and rebuilding from 1786 to today in parallel with the relevant political and social trends. Numerous historical and current photos are displayed, along with design drawings from the DAM’s collection. Particular attention is paid to the renovations in the 1960s and 1980s, which were accompanied by calls for reconstruction of the church to a pre-war state. These are resurfacing today in light of the approaching technical refurbishment.
IN NORWEGIAN LANDSCAPES
DAM Deutsches Architekturmuseum Schaumainkai 43, Frankfurt am MainA tradition in Norwegian architecture emphasizes tactile and spatial experiences and reflects the relationship between buildings and landscape. Sensitivity to place, experimental tectonics and profound attention to detail characterize the tradition. Norwegian architecture is challenged by new dense urban development in major cities. The buildings shown in the exhibition are situated in different geographical parts of Norway. Rural settlements have been maintained by means of an ambitious regional policy, supported by the wealth of the oil economy. The selected projects continue and refine a Nordic architectural tradition whose most famous representative is Pritzker Prize winner Sverre Fehn. The tradition is characterized by emphasizing the tactile and spatial experiences, reflecting the relationship between buildings and landscape, and creatively challenging a 1000-year of practice in wooden construction. The projects demonstrate great sensitivity to place, experimental tectonics and profound attention to detailing. In this respect, Norwegian architecture adapts to ecological thinking, influencing also international architects commissioned in Norway. The exhibition “IN NORWEGIAN LANDSCAPES – Hunting high and low” is based on the Norwegian asBuilt book series. The aim of the book series is to exchange built experience by documenting the methods of the architects.
The accompanying programme to the exhibition focuses on modern Norwegian architecture in its rural and urban contexts.
An exhibition by Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM) in cooperation with Guest of Honour Frankfurt Bookfair 2019 Norway, Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA), Norwegian Embassy, The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO) and Pax Forlag. The curator is Nina Berre, B+E Curating Architecture and Urbanism.
THE PLAYGROUND PROJECT
DAM Deutsches Architekturmuseum Schaumainkai 43, Frankfurt am MainBetween 1950 and 1980 the playground was a creative laboratory. In the cities of the Global North, innovative, crazy and exciting projects emerged: Landscape architects, artists, activists and citizens wanted to provide children with the best place for play and try out a new approach to community and city at the same time. Starting with the pioneers of new playground concepts in the first half of the 20th century, The Playground Project brings the wealth of this period to life — with images, models, plans, books and numerous films, but also with playground sculptures for climbing, sliding and hiding. Everybody, be they children, parents, playground planners, teachers, architects or students, is welcome to discover the playground of yesterday and to consider those of tomorrow. The Playground Project was curated by Gabriela Burkhalter for the Kunsthalle Zürich, updated and complemented for the DAM.
Opening: Böhm 100
DAM Deutsches Architekturmuseum Schaumainkai 43, Frankfurt am MainExhibition opening "Böhm 100 – The concrete cathedral of Neviges"