Architektur Sommer: Mehr Wissen statt Meinung

What can be learned from bad decisions in architecture and urban planning? This public event deliberately focuses on failure - humorously, self-critically and with a real gain in knowledge. The leitmotif of the evening is the sentence: "It doesn't work - it worked!"

Architects report on personal setbacks and projects that proved to be problematic. It will become clear where assumptions, designs or processes did not work out - and what can be learned from this for future projects. Afterwards, a joint discussion will open up the space to think the findings through together.

The focus will be on central questions of our time: How do design and construction decisions affect the climate, resource consumption and social requirements? Specific examples will be used to illustrate how the "Principles of Failure" named by SHIFT can put the brakes on sustainable architecture and urban development - and what paradigm shifts are needed. This creates links to urban development, interior and landscape architecture as well as climate- and culture-sensitive, resilient construction methods.

Selected experts will provide impulses and set the framework, after which the stage will be open to anyone who would like to share their own experiences and perspectives. Voices and observations will be collected in a flashlight, short pitches will provide further insights on the open stage before the topics are explored in greater depth in the plenary session.

"It doesn't work - it worked!" is the common thread running through the evening: myths are examined, undesirable developments are named and learnings are shared - clearly, excitingly and encouragingly. The format combines entertainment, knowledge sharing and critical reflection and makes it clear that sustainable construction is not just a technical task, but also a cultural and social one. An open approach to mistakes is seen as an opportunity - for better architecture and urban planning today and tomorrow.

The Urbaneo will also be opening its doors from 5 p.m. and inviting visitors to engage in a playful exchange. The "Play the City" format is all about an informal approach to building culture: trying things out, designing together and experiencing what happens when play and urban planning come together.