The architect and head of the Institute for Computer-Based Design at the University of Stuttgart, Prof. Achim Menges, is being awarded the Berlin Art Prize 2015 on 18 th March in the field of architecture. Prof. Menges is being particularly honoured for his experimental pavilions as well as for his large number of scientific publications in German and English.
The reasoning of the jury stated was, among other things: “The pavilions are based on a great interest in innovative material developments and production technologies, the designers sound out the limits of the profession and prove their working hypotheses in small temporary structures. (…) One of the most enchanting results was provided by the hygroscopic work for the meteoro-sensitive pavilion of the FRAC Centre Orléans, the wafer-thin wooden flaps of which are able to open independently through increasing air humidity – innovative climate-responsive architecture.“ The jury goes on to say that it is not without reason that these pavilions are reminiscent of the recently deceased architect and civil engineer Frei Otto, who founded the legendary special research field 230 at the University of Stuttgart 30 years ago and who is a great role model for Menges.
The award ceremony by the governing mayor of the City of Berlin, Michael Müller, and the President of the Academy of the Arts, Klaus Staeck, will take place on Wednesday, 18 th March 2015 at 8 pm in the Academy of the Arts, Pariser Platz 4, 10117 Berlin.
On Thursday, 19 th March Prof. Achim Menges will already be presenting his work at 7 pm in a lecture at the Academy of the Arts, Hanseatenweg 10, 10557 Berlin. Following this Peter Cachola Schmal, Director of the German Architecture Museum (DAM) in Frankfurt/Main and juror of the Art Prize, will have a discussion with Achim Menges. Dieter Rams, designer and member of the Academy of the Arts will bring the evening to a close. Admission fee 5 Euros/ reduced price 3 Euros.
Further information:
Prof. Achim Menges, Tobias Schwinn, University of Stuttgart, Tel +49 (0) 711 685 819 24, Email: tobias.schwinn (at) icd.uni-stuttgart.de, www.icd.uni-stuttgart.de
Berlin Academy of the Arts, Tel. (030) 200 57-2000, www.adk.de
Andrea Mayer-Grenu, University of Stuttgart, Department of University Communication, Tel.
0711/685-82176,
Email: andrea.mayer-grenu (at) hkom.uni-stuttgart.de
