Architectural Exhibition Faces Challenges Due to Industry Struggles
The city of Stuttgart is currently witnessing a flurry of activity as it embarks on a series of complex quarter and urban development projects, all bearing the IBA label. One of the key figures behind this endeavour is Andreas Hofer, the director of IBA 27 Stadtregion Stuttgart.
Among the many projects underway, two major developments are being planned in Zuffenhausen-Rot. The Stuttgart Housing Association (SWSG) is spearheading one project, which will consist of around 400 units, three-quarters of which are subsidized, and will not allow car traffic. Another project is being undertaken by the housing cooperatives Neues Heim and Zuffenhausen, who will construct 230 apartments that meet social and ecological requirements.
These projects, according to Hofer, present all the complexities found in German construction law. The current economic situation, he believes, is the reason for the lack of participation and realization of projects. Despite these challenges, Hofer remains optimistic, referring to the completion of these projects as a "sporting task".
In addition to these projects, IBA 27 Stadtregion Stuttgart is managing 32 projects aimed at showcasing exemplary construction and reality-based architecture. One such project involves a residential building on Weimarstraße in Stuttgart-West, which will house 35 barrier-free apartments intended for civil servants. It will employ modular wooden construction, a sustainable and cost-effective method.
Another notable project is the renovation of the Brenz church, built by architect Alfred Daiber in 1933. The church, which is under monument protection due to alterations made by the Nazis, is moving towards a return to its original Bauhaus style, with the motto "Palimpsest".
The IBA visitor and information center at Weißenhof is also under construction, with a completion date of 2027. This center serves as a nod to the exhibition of 1927 in Stuttgart's Weißenhof, which presented the concepts of the Werkbund and Bauhaus movements. The two Le Corbusier houses in the 1927 exhibition are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
In the midst of these developments, an old kiosk in Stuttgart is currently undergoing renovation. After the IBA, it will house museum infrastructure such as a café and a shop for Bauhaus pearls on the Killesberg.
However, it's important to note that the completion rate for these projects is lower than desired. Hofer has expressed regret that only a few companies are participating in the IBA, and that there is no project that combines living and working. Despite these challenges, the city of Stuttgart presses on, committed to creating a sustainable and vibrant future.
[1] Source [2] Source [3] Source [4] Source [5] Source (unrelated to IBA 27 Stuttgart)
Finance and management play crucial roles in the successful realization of the ambitious architectural and urban development projects undertaken by IBA 27 Stadtregion Stuttgart. For instance, the funding and construction of the residential building on Weimarstraße demands strict financial planning and clear management structures. Furthermore, investing in sustainable and cost-effective methods, such as modular wooden construction, also requires careful financial analysis and management decision-making.
