MAY 30 – JULY 26, 2009

PROJECTS BY:
studio aisslinger / exilhäuser architekten / Haack + Höpfner Architekten and Horden Cherry Lee Architects / Folke Köbberling & Martin Kaltwasser / Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten and BikvanderPol / naumann.architektur / Michael Sailstorfer / Architekturbüro Hans Peter Wörndl / Yasuhiro Yamashita | Atelier Tekuto / projects by students of the Chair for Building Theory and Product Engineering (TU Munich

In the series »architecture« the Bielefelder Kunstverein is this year taking up the phenomenon of the »micro house«. Miniature houses are defined as micro houses, which permit living, residing and working on a few square metres by optimally using space. This requires a multifunctional use of space and flexible dimensions. Beyond that, new materials, construction possibilities and technologies find application in micro houses. Ever-increasing prices per square metre, the lack of free clear land in the metropoles, an increasing mobility, but also the wish for individual places of retreat demand solutions and accommodation of the changing needs. Micro houses can often be quickly located and conform to the demands of their residents. Accordingly, they also have to bear the idea of something parasitic as well as independent. That is because micro houses settle in among existing architecture, they use interstitial spaces, moor themselves alongside bigger structures or become completely independent. These cells for living in are frequently produced to the latest ecological guidelines and exceed the existing standards with their innovative concepts. With that they not only make it possible for individuals to realise their dream of an inexpensive first or second house but also represent new forms of rural housing as well as of social and ecological construction of dwellings and towns.
Micro houses thus maintain their own tradition. Many projects are inspired by the simplest sorts of structure like tents, bus shelters, garages, refuges, stables and huts. And in addition, ideas of modular building come up again, which have already been formulated by modernist architects like Richard Buckminster Fuller, Walter Gropius or Frank Lloyd Wright. The exhibition at the Bielefelder Kunstverein gathers together a selection from the diverse architectural projects, which are representative examples of various initiatives in the area of micro housing. In addition, unrealised designs and prototypes by students form the Chair for Building Theory and Product Engineering (TU Munich) will be presented in their own particular space. And last but not least, artistic contributions add another dimension to the exhibition by tackling particular aspects of transformation and its social function.

IN COOPERATION WITH: Bund Deutscher Architekten BDA
KINDLY SUPPORTED BY: Forbo Flooring Gmbh, Goldbeck Gmbh, Hörmann KG, Quakernack GmbH & Co KG, Trespa Deutschland GmbH, Wilkhahn GmbH+Co.KG