Grit Farl, Master of Architecture (Architektur) graduate, won first prize for her outstanding design »Das Maß der Dinge. Ein Opern-Interim in den Fragmenten der NS-Kongresshalle Nürnberg«. An interim solution for the renovation of the Nürnberger Staatstheater, Farl’s project proposes the building of a temporary structure in the courtyard of the former Nazi congress hall. »Through the complex interplay of positioning, form and constructive details, Grit Farl manages to create an impression that - as she herself says - refuses to negotiate with the existing building and does not aim to be forgotten. The work is remarkable because the designer masters her creativity so well within a politically sensitive topic; she achieves a wonderful balance of looking, accepting and rejecting«, the jury's statement praised.

Luise Krämer was also awarded first prize for her architecture master's thesis »Der Zauberberg – Steinhäuser in den Cottischen Alpen«. Her research focusses on the religious community of the Waldensians, their living conditions, resulting lifestyles, and how this is affected by their more or less forced living space and natural conditions. The jury elaborates: »Much of the research can be understood as a metaphor for climate change and its consequences. It invites people to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature.«

The joint architecture Master's thesis by Alexander Blumentritt and Freyja Mittmann »9 de Julho - Social interventions on occupied buildings in São Paulo« and Vincent Hummelberger’s Bachelor's thesis »Oberflächenveredelung im Lehmtafelbau im Innen- und Außenbereich« were each awarded a second prize.

The final theses cover a broad range of content and geography. Some of the projects are locally-focussed, such as a design for the conversion of the parking garage at the post office in Weimar’s city centre, or the technical implementation for the experimental »Bauhaus Urban Energy Hub« building in Coudraystraße. Other graduates are working on regional topics, such as a carpentry training centre located in a historical building in Rudolstadt or developing ideas for revitalizing the treatment facilities in Milbitz. The broad range of locations ranges from Nuremberg, Hanover, Berlin and Stralsund to Austria and the Brazilian metropolis of São Paolo. Some students were inspired by current issues, which is shown in works on repurposing vacant buildings, housing issues and sustainable building materials.

The award-winning works were selected by a jury, which included Dr. Cécile Cuny (École d'Urbanisme de Paris of the Université Gustave Eiffel, Paris & guest lecturer at the Institute for European Urban Studies, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar), Thomas Wittenberg (Wittenberg Architekten, Weimar & Architektenkammer Thüringen, Erfurt) and Junior Professor Christina Köchling (Junior Professor of »Bauentwurfslehre«, Weimar & Felgendreher Olfs Köchling Architekten Berlin). One first place and one second prize were awarded in each of the design and research categories. Nine projects receive honourable mentions.

The designers of the award-winning works received one-year free subscriptions to the magazines »ARCH+, DETAIL«, »bauwelt«, »Die Planerin« and »wa aktuell« as well as prize money donated by the »Architektenkammer Thüringen«.

Architecture and Urbanism Final Project Exhibition
Until 8 December 2023
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Main Building
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 8, 99423 Weimar
Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
Entrance is free of charge

For further information, please contact: Gabriela Oroz, Faculty Marketing Manager, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Phone: +49 (0) 3643 58 31 15, E-mail: gabriela.oroz[at]uni-weimar.de.

Overview of all Awards