The Akademie der Künste on Pariser Platz will open a new permanent exhibition of architectural models on 1 November 2024. The highlights of the more than 750 models from the architecture archive by over 50 architectural artists will be presented in the Schaudepot, from exhibits from the Prussian period of the Academy to the present day.
Image above: Akademie der Künste, Pariser Platz © Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk
Architectural models have a special aesthetic appeal. They fascinate with their vividness, their variety of materials and, above all, their visionary power. Even in the digital age, models have by no means lost their significance as a three-dimensional working tool, competition entry or presentation object in architectural practice. Within research, they are a source of enduring relevance. ‘With the Schaudepot at Pariser Platz, we are not only providing exclusive insights into the Baukunstarchiv’s outstanding collection and the working methods of an archive, but the example also shows the potential that architectural models still have today as tools and carriers of ideas.’ (Werner Heegewaldt, director of the archive).
The Schaudepot is located in the Akademie building on Pariser Platz and is regularly open to the public on guided tours. The permanent exhibition presents highlights from the more than 750 models in the Baukunstarchiv by over 50 architects: from exhibits from the Prussian period of the Academy to models of Neues Bauen at the beginning of the 20th century, to urban planning designs for Berlin from the period of reconstruction after the Second World War to the present day. Temporary exhibitions explore current topics relating to architecture and urban planning, currently on architectural energy concepts. Architectural drawings, photos and plans expand the stories behind the models and add numerous details.
In a first phase, the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the Wüstenrot Foundation sponsored the cleaning and restoration of the architectural models. In a second phase, the display depot was set up with the support of the Wüstenrot Foundation. ‘We are delighted that the Akademie der Künste has created a place for architectural culture in the heart of Berlin,’ says Philip Kurz, Managing Director of the Wüstenrot Foundation. ‘The collection offers numerous opportunities to raise awareness for the preservation of architectural heritage. At the same time, the models and the ideas they embody are an ideal starting point for discussing the architecture and urban planning of tomorrow.’
The new permanent exhibition at the Akademie der Künste at Pariser Platz 4 will open at 7 pm on Friday, 1 November 2024. After a welcome by Anh-Linh Ngo, Vice President of the Akademie der Künste and architecture journalist, there will be introductions by Werner Heegewaldt, Director of the Archive, and Laura Puin, Wüstenrot Foundation. Afterwards, Hilde Léon, architect and Academy member, and the architectural historian Matthias Noell will discuss the value of architectural models for practice and research with Amrei Buchholz, Director of the Baukunstarchiv. Guided tours of the Schaudepot will take place after the event.
WHEN?
Exhibition dates: from Friday, 01 November 2024
WHERE?
Academy of Arts
Pariser Platz 4
10117 Berlin
COSTES?
Entrance fee 7,50 / 5 EUR
