Once a global network of innovative ideas and projects had opened up on the Thursday – thanks in no small part to the international awards ceremony – Friday presented an opportunity for representatives of Europe’s leading architects’ bureaus to have their say. With Prof. Jan R. Krause acting as the master of ceremonies, they added their own opinions to the various architectural perspectives shared in the talks.
Much Untertrifaller of architects’ bureau Dietrich I Untertrifaller Architekten in Vorarlberg, Austria, picked up where the previous evening’s events had left off – with educational structures. A freshly minted winner of the Design Educates Award 2021 – Solarlux Choice for his widely-discussed library in Dornbirn, he chose school buildings as the focus of his work report. Using examples his bureau had worked on, he demonstrated how immersing themselves in their construction task can help a team significantly improve the architectural quality of the finished building. The result is architecture that not only provides a positive learning environment for the children, but also tells them something about architecture.
In his presentation, Sven Thorissen of MVRDV chose to focus on the city of tomorrow, outlining his concept for how liveable cities – and inner urban areas in particular – should look. In Thorissen’s eyes, cities need a new kind of mobility, more green spaces – and even more green spaces. They need to be fun to be in and provide answers to the changes in our world and society. To this end, MVRDV proposes we take a new approach to town planning – one that moves away from blueprints for ready-made areas and towards a structured process of continuous transformation.
The final talk at the event was held by Jette Cathrin Hopp, who chose to focus less on the projects themselves and more on the process through which they come into being. At the beginning of each of its projects, Hopp’s internationally active bureau, Snøhetta, sets up workshops for everyone involved where they can take the essence of the task before them and use it as a springboard for the conception process. This collaborative approach is rooted in the core Scandinavian values of generosity and openness – qualities that permeate the teamwork, the way the bureau works with owners and tradespeople, and its vision for architecture in which the wider community is an active participant.
Even with all the differences in their architectural attitudes and approaches, all the speakers on both days were united by a great sense of responsibility. Responsibility for the environment, of course – we still haven’t fully realised the potential the construction sector has to offer for our climate – but also for society as a whole.
Michael Rollmann of pedevilla Architects provided the perfect example of this philosophy when he described how treating the existing fabric of the Decantei restaurant in Italy with respect allowed his bureau to ensure that an important part of the town’s history remained intact while also created a valued new place for the locals to meet. Designer Walda Verbaenen’s biggest motivation is a desire to connect people through communication. And the history of the Guga S’Thebe Theatre provides a clear demonstration of the constructive energy a community can generate when it comes together.
Social responsibility remained a common thread throughout the second day of the event, too. Otherwise very much calm and collected, Much Untertrifaller couldn’t help but radiate a serene sense of joy when he told of how his bureau had managed to “smuggle” spaces for playful interaction and free learning into a traditional primary school layout. Sven Thorissen was more direct in acknowledging the importance of the topic, and open spaces that would be the residents’ responsibility were a particularly common theme in the residential projects he presented. Jette Hopp has also incorporated public adoption of the building into many of her projects – a natural extension of the “freedom to roam” law that applies to land in the Scandinavian countryside.
It was clear to see that the guests who came together in the modern, well-lit foyer of the Solarlux Campus over the course of the two days were enjoying the quality of the live event. “It’s so great to finally be doing this again,” several were heard to remark. Alongside the excellent presentations, everyone was thrilled with the networking opportunities the event provided – and the catering and live music that accompanied them.
One architect from Bad Oldesloe in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, summed it up perfectly: “I took part in the online event last year, and I’ve been looking forward to coming here in person ever since. I was definitely worth the trip!” A colleague from the central German town of Kassel was quick to agree: “This event is like a creative mini-break. It opens up ways of thinking you wouldn’t normally be able to access in everyday life.” But although our first two interviewees were repeat guests, we were pleased to note that newcomers to the event were just as enthusiastic. One Master’s student from Bochum was full of praise: “The quality of the presentations is streets ahead of the work reports we see at university.”
Especially on the back of such a success, it should come as no surprise that plans for the 2022 edition are already in place. Next year’s architecture in the foyer will be held on 22 and 23 September, and is sure to be one of the highlights of the event calendar once more.