On September 3rd the Ungers Archiv für Architekturwissenschaft Cologne present the latest edition of their Ex Libris series.
This time Ex Loco. In Bremen.
As we noted in a previous Ex Libris post, "... much as the Internet is full of spam until you start looking for something, so to is a library just a lot of old paper until you read the books".
And in this sense the Ungers Archiv für Architekturwissenschaft Cologne regularly invite architecture luminaries to select a work from the archive's library and present it to the public, explaining why they have chosen it and what it teaches us.
The Ex Libris events are generally held in Cologne, occasionally however they venture outwith the city walls. This time to the Bremer Zentrum für Baukultur, in the company of Volkwin Marg and Hartmut Frank.
A founding partner from Gerkan Marg und Partner (gmp), unquestionably one of Germany's most important architectural bureaus, Volkwin Marg is perhaps best known through projects such as Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the Bundeskanzleramt in Berlin-Tiergarten and Leipzig Neue Messe. For Ex Libris Volkwin Marg has selected the 1932 work "Atlantropa" in which the architect Hermann Sörgel details his plans for a hydroelectric dam across the Strait of Gibraltar - so between Europe and Africa. In addition to generating electricity Sörgel also understood his project as one of land reclamation and, and at least in context of the politics of the 1920s and 30s, cultural diplomacy.
The second part of the evening sees the former HfBK Hamburg and HafenCity Uni Hamburg architecture professor Hartmut Frank present Nicolai A. Miljutin's "Sozgorod, Die Probleme des sozialistischen Städtebaus" We admit to knowing next to nothing about Sozgorod; however, according to the pre-event material it was published in 1930 and presents a vision of an ideal Marxist municipality, albeit one with unmistakable references to western architecture and urban planning philosophies. And of course the word "problems" in the books title does somewhat stand out! As such it was, more or less, immediately banned for not adhering to the Stalinist dogma of the day.
In our modern world a resource such as the Ungers Archiv für Architekturwissenschaft Cologne is a rare gem: allowing as it does the opportunity to reflect before opening one's mouth. Something far too few of us do these days, the range of communication options available more or less taunting us all to add our opinion to any and every debate.
In context of architecture or city planning experienced professionals such as Volkwin Marg or Hartmut Frank could just tell us what they think. Through the Ex Libris series the Ungers Archiv achieve something much more valuable, they ask experienced professionals such as Volkwin Marg or Hartmut Frank to reflect on what others think.
As we say, a rare gem. And not one you should allow to pass you by.
Ungers Archiv für Architekturwissenschaft Cologne Ex Libris - Ex Loco with Volkwin Marg and Hartmut Frank takes place in the Bremer Zentrum für Baukultur on Tuesday September 3rd at 7pm. Entrance is free, but advance registration is requested via kontakt@bzb-bremen.de
