24 March 20267
7–10 pm
in German language
7 pm
Dr Hannah Schiefer, art historian
Topic: Concrete landscapes: An archaeology of post-war modernism
The lecture ‘Concrete Landscapes: An Archaeology of Post-War Modernism’ by Dr Hannah Schiefer, University of Siegen, focuses on the emergence and development of Brutalism – one of the most striking but also most controversial architectural movements of the second half of the 20th century. Starting with the history of the term ‘New Brutalism’, which was coined in the 1950s by architects and architectural theorists, the lecture traces how an initially polemical buzzword developed into a globally recognised architectural style.
Using selected examples from Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, the lecture presents the central features of Brutalist architecture: the visibility of construction, the expressive use of materials such as exposed concrete, and an architectural concept that oscillates between social aspirations, technical innovation and sculptural form. The buildings presented show that brutalism cannot be understood solely as a style of ‘raw concrete,’ but rather as a multi-layered architectural approach that continues to raise questions about material honesty, durability and social responsibility in construction.
7.30 pm
Dr Sven Kuhrau, art historian, monument preservation in the Rhineland
Topic: A strong presence. Kunsthalle Düsseldorf as an architectural monument
Initially unpopular, Düsseldorf Kunsthalle only underwent a positive reinterpretation in the wake of the recent reappraisal of brutalist architecture. Prior to this, artists had exploited the resistant potential of the fortified architecture for their own works on site. The building and its artistic interventions have recently been listed as a historic monument. But what exactly constitutes the building’s monumental value?
8 pm
break
8.15 pm
Dr Turit Fröbe, architectural historian, urbanist, building culture educator
Topic: Brutalism – beautifully ugly?
In her lecture, Turit Fröbe takes up the cudgels for original, well-made architectural eyesores. She summarises her most important findings, which have emerged from her years of studying the ‘ugly ducklings’ of our cities, and shows that ‘architectural eyesores’ are an underrated type of building that certainly have potential for their respective environments. In her lecture, she also takes a look at brutalism – or what is commonly labelled as brutalist – explains why it is worth carefully distinguishing between good and bad architectural eyesores, and describes how even the most hated objects can be transformed within a very short time with the help of a ‘loving gaze’.
8.45 pm
Kaspar Stöbe & Pablo Molestina, architects
Topic: The Kunsthalle of the Future
Over the past few decades, a multitude of functions have been layered into the buildung of Kunsthalle Düsseldorf. Following the logic of this layering and the building’s inherent qualities, the Kunsthalle will gain a further layer within its interior as part of the renovation. In this way, all functions will be interconnected in future. The qualities of the robust Brutalist structure will be preserved and, as a laboratory environment, will provide the space for the artistic experiments of our time.
