Themes 2009

Saturday, 17.01.2009
Office / Administration: Office and working culture as brand
Office buildings are generating an identity just as is the logo of a company. The appearance of company headquarters reflects the corporate culture and transports its philosophy. In addition to that the quality of the building should to a large extent convey the appreciation to clients and employees. It is thereby not just about design aspects, but also about the optimisation of organisational processes via the best possible layout of rooms and areas. The use of sustainable materials and renewable energies demonstrates social competence and a sense of responsibility towards employees and the environment. Working in increasingly global contexts requires the intensive analysis of various ways of working.

Sunday, 18.01.2009
Hotel / Spa / Gastronomy: Hotel strategies and architectural tourism - The hotel as event in the city and countryside
For quite some time hotels have been more than a place for overnight stays. The hotel business and gastronomy are in a state of flux: new strategies and innovative concepts contribute to the positioning on the global market. Exceptionally designed interiors, elaborate spa areas, a harmonious, target group-oriented concepts can nowadays develop into the destination of a journey. Hotels no longer advertise with a visit to the location, but whole regions benefit from the hotel's appeal. Hotel projects are presently distinguished by individuality and content, but first of all by diversification and the authenticity of the service provided.

Monday, 19.01.2009
Shop / Showroom / Trade Fair Stand: Consumer worlds - The spatial stage-management of products
Nowadays, shops are far more than mere presentation area; architects and designers create new worlds of experience attuned to the product. The seemingly unlimited expanses of shopping malls are confronted with an increasing need for individuality - on the part of the customer as well as on the part of the shops. For quite some time major brands and designers have been benefiting from the idea of replacing simple sales room designs with the creation of an experience for their customers. And even the supermarket next door is increasingly considered as an attractive building task for architects. The design of sales areas should be animated, creative, and innovative and should not least lead to the successful sale of the products.

Tuesday, 20.01.2009
Conversion: In a state of flux - New building within old walls
For architects the conversion of old buildings is for more than a necessity. Such projects offer the opportunity to develop new ideas in the context of historically significant architecture. The unique atmosphere of an old building is contrasted with contemporary materials and uses. Inventive conversions are often the only chance of survival for buildings worthy of preservation such as churches, and are thus contributing to the preservation of our architectural history. However, it is not just really old buildings that offer this opportunity; some of the most thrilling projects have been realised in the ruins of modern times such as industrial wasteland and gas works.