Building Worlds

Starting 16 November, the Archiv der Avantgarden – Egidio Marzona (ADA) is presenting a comprehensive exhibition on visionary architectural concepts of the 20th century and visions of utopian and dystopian buildings.

Crises and extraordinary events inspired architects to rethink living and dwelling. Beginning with the 1910s and representatives of Neues Bauen (New Building), such as Bruno Taut and Paul Scheerbart, as well as the connection between building and nature, the exhibition also takes up international concepts, such as the ‘Domes’ of Buckminster Fuller. The belief in human progress and the euphoria of the 1960s and 1970s, with the moon landing and the oil crisis as watersheds in contemporary history, gave rise to both utopian and dystopian visions of life. The spectrum is broad: ironic positions, such as those adopted by the Haus Rucker-Co group of artists, become as much a part of the social discourse as concepts of alternative architecture based on an awareness of the fragility of ecosystems. The belief in new materials and new forms gives way to a fundamental scepticism about conventional construction and the effects of modern urban development. Can crises be overcome by technical means? Or do we need humility and self-denial? These questions are just as relevant today, as they were 50 years ago.