Architecture Matters
15–16 May 2024


Architecture Matters 2024

Crisis vs. Crisis

How can we distribute the costs of green transformation fairly? What new construction options align with climate realities? Is it enough to retrofit existing buildings to solve the housing crisis? Which standards need simplifying? Amid these complex upheavals, how can we tackle social and ecological challenges as interlinked aspects? Does solving one crisis risk creating another?

With “Architecture Matters 2024 – Crisis vs. Crisis”, we aim to have an honest discussion on current conflicting priorities and chart a path for workable solutions to shape the future of construction. We combine big-picture thinking with deep dives into key themes: capital markets, building standards, and radical thinking – new ideas from other places.

Less frontal, more interaction, and direct exchange: This year’s programme offers a mix of main stage presentations and discussion rounds, a networking lunch, and focus sessions featuring keynote speeches and small group discussions.

curated by Nadin Heinich, plan A

House of Communication
Friedenstraße 24
81671 Munich

photo: © Sergey Ponomarev

 

Speakers
Architecture Matters 2024

Matthias Alexander, FAZ

Deputy Head of Departement (Feuilleton)

Dr. Matthias Alexander studied history, German studies, and philosophy in Bonn, Bologna, Jena, and Munich. In 1998 he completed his PhD with a dissertation on the Free Conservative party in the German Empire. Alexander joined the editorial team of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) in 1999, covering urban planning and architecture and rising to head of the department in 2007. He moved to the FAZ features department in summer 2020, where he has been the deputy head since June 2021.

Jens Böhnlein, Commerz Real

Global Head of Asset Management and Sustainability at Commerz Real

Jens Böhnlein is Global Head of Asset Management and Sustainability at Commerz Real. In this role, he oversees the management and development of the global real estate portfolio of Commerzbank’s real estate subsidiary, valued at over 14 billion euros.

He is also responsible for all sustainability activities and is driving digitalization.

Before joining Commerz Real in 2018, the trained engineer and architect was Global Head Office Solutions & Designs at CA Immo AG in Austria starting in 2017 after holding various leadership positions at Cushman & Wakefield in Germany and EMEA.

photo © Commerz Real

 

Michael Bröcker, Table.Media

Editor-in-Chief Table.Media

Michael Bröcker is one of Germany’s most prominent political journalists. Since January 2024, he has been Editor-in-Chief at Table.Media, whose Professional Briefings target decision-makers in business, science, politics, and administration. Previously, the economics graduate was editor-in-chief of ThePioneer from 2019 to 2023 and editor-in-chief of the Rheinische Post from 2014 to 2019.

With his expertise, Bröcker critically examines the work of the federal government and party power dynamics. As a commentator on current political and economic decisions, he is a frequent guest on talk shows such as Markus Lanz, maischberger, and Phoenix Runde.

Michael Bröcker is a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Journalism Programme (IJP) and a member of the jury for the Arthur F. Burns Journalism Prize.

photo © ARD

Odile Decq, Studio Odile Decq

Architect, Studio Odile Decq

Since founding her firm in 1978, French architect Odile Decq has forged a distinctive path. Her work forms a holistic universe where architecture, design, art, and urbanism interweave, challenging and informing one another. Bold geometries and an innovative spirit characterize Decq’s creations across all these disciplines.

Notable works include the Banque Populaire de l’Ouest in Rennes, the University of Nantes, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (MACRO), the GL Events headquarters in Lyon, Fangshan Tangshan National Geopark Museum in China, and her latest project, the Antares residential tower in Barcelona.

Decq has received numerous awards for her work, including the 2014 Silver Medal of Honour from the Académie d’Architecture, the 2016 Jane Drew Prize from The Architects Journal in London for pushing boundaries and promoting equality; Architizer’s 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award, and appointment as Commandeur de l’Ordre du Mérite in 2018.

In 2014, she founded the Confluence Institute for Innovation and Creative Strategies in Architecture with the aim of reshaping architectural education for the 21st century. Based in Paris, it earned accreditation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2017.

photo © Franck Juery

Peter Haimerl, Haimerl . Architektur

Architect, Peter . Haimerl Architecture

Peter Haimerl’s projects push the boundaries of conventional architecture. Born in the Bavarian Forest, he has been based in Munich since 1991. With initiatives such as HAUS.PATEN, the new concert hall in Blaibach, and the Denkerhaus on the Schedlberg, he has been committed to the cultural development of his home region for many years. To address present demands, Haimerl is now focusing intently on modular construction – with his honeycomb house, a small, complex unit is being developed into a diverse ensemble of cluster flats.

Haimerl has received numerous awards for his projects, including the Grand Nike (Große Nike), the Bavarian State Prize for Architecture, and the Bavarian Cultural Prize. He has taught at Braunschweig University of Art, Kassel University, and Linz University of Design, and is a member of the Berlin Academy of the Arts and the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts.

 

Anupama Kundoo, Anupama Kundoo Architects

Architect, Anupama Kundoo Architects

Anupama Kundoo is an internationally renowned Indian architect and professor. She first gained recognition through her work in Auroville (India), where she designed and realized many economically innovative, energy and water efficient buildings from mid-1990 to 2002. Her “Wall House” was shown at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2012. A major exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art was dedicated to the architect’s work in 2020. Kundoo was also part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial in 2023.

Anupama Kundoo has taught architecture and urban planning at various international universities, including TU Berlin and the AA School of Architecture in London.

She has received numerous awards for her architectural work, such as the Auguste Perret Prize 2021 for architectural technology, the global Building Sense Now 2021 award from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), and the Global Award for Sustainable architecture under the auspices of UNESCO in 2022.

photo © Andreas Deffner

Elisabeth Merk, City of Munich

Planning director, City of Munich

Prof. Dr. (University of Florence) Elisabeth Merk, architect, has served as the City of Munich’s Planning Director since 2007 and was reelected in 2018 for the third time. She headed the urban development and urban planning division in Halle/Saale from 2000 to 2005. From 2005 to 2007 Elisabeth Merk had a regulary professorship at the Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart (HfT). In 2009, Elisabeth Merk was appointed honorary professor at the HfT, Faculty of Architecture and Design. In 2020 she received an honorary professorship at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Elisabeth Merk has been President of the German Academy for Urban and Regional Spatial Planning (DASL) from 2015 to 2022.

photo © Ilona Stelzl

 

Alexander Moell, Hines

Alexander Moell, Senior Managing Director Hines

Alexander Moell is Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Germany responsible for project development, acquisition and asset management in Germany. He joined Hines in 1995 and is based in Berlin. Alexander graduated from the University of Berlin and received his Masters in International Business Administration from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

photo © Hines

Linus Neumann, Chaos Computer Club

Thomas Rehn, City of Munich

Director, Local Building Commission, City of Munich

Thomas Rehn has been Director of the Munich Local Building Commission since 2023. The trained architect and urban planner has worked in Munich’s planning department since 1990, holding senior positions in both the Local Building Commission and in urban planning.

Thomas Rehn is a member of the Association of German Architects and the SRL Association for Urban, Regional and State Planning.

photo © Thomas Rehn

Ingrid Simet, Bavarian State Ministry of Construction

Ministerial Director at the Bavarian State Ministry of Housing, Building and Transport

Ingrid Simet served as Ministerial Director at the Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, Construction and Transport since 1 May 2022. She previously led the Department of Law, Planning and Construction Technology from 2007, and later, from February 2017, she was Head of the Housing and Urban Development Department.

Ingrid Simet studied law in Munich and Berlin. Since early 1988, her career in the Bavarian civil service has led her to hold positions at various administrative levels, including the Government of Upper Bavaria, the Munich District Office, and the General Internal Administration and Supreme Building Authority in the State Ministry of the Interior, Building and Transport. From 2001 to 2007, she served as the Head of the State Secretary’s Office.

photo © StMB

Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard, 3XN/GXN

Head of Innovation, 3XN/GXN

Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard is Partner and Head of Innovation at 3XN Architect’s independent innovation unit, GXN. As part of GXN’s leadership team, Kåre develops 3XN and GXN’s research activities while working to bring research insights and approaches into architectural consultancy projects.

Taking the approach that multidisciplinary research is key to solving the most pressing challenges that the built environment faces today, GXN seeks to innovate architecture to create buildings that better align the needs of people and planet. Kåre’s work bridges strategic consultancy and research with a specific focus on decarbonization, circular economy, technology, and human wellbeing.

Kåre holds a DPhil in Anthropology from the University of Oxford, where he researched the impact of digital technologies on human cognition and creativity.

photo © Zuhal Kocan

 

Martha Thorne, Senior Advisor, The OBEL Award

Senior Advisor, The OBEL Award

Martha Thorne is a distinguished professor at IE School of Architecture & Design. In 2022 she was appointed as senior advisor to the foundation that grants the Obel Award. Martha Thorne is an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the professional association of architects in Madrid. From 2005 to 2021 she served as executive director of the Pritzker Prize.

The main interests of Martha Thorne centre on the contemporary city and how architecture, design, and urbanism can make the highest-quality environments and contribute to sustainability and resilience; and how education can evolve in content and pedagogy to be more relevant for today’s challenges.

photo © Carlos de Lucas

Christian Veddeler, 3XN/GXN

Partner, 3XN/GXN

Christian Veddeler joined 3XN in 2022 as a partner, leading the firm’s emerging business in Amsterdam with a focus on design, innovation, and sustainability. Christian’s extensive portfolio encompasses over 60 projects across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Currently, he is overseeing two ambitious large-scale adaptive re-use projects in Amsterdam.

Before joining 3XN, Christian served as Director at UNStudio, where he led notable projects including Four Frankfurt, the Campus of Singapore University of Technology and Design, Lighthouse Aarhus (in collaboration with 3XN), the New Amsterdam Pavilion in New York City, and the Burnham Pavilion in Chicago.

Christian’s involvement in academia includes numerous positions at renowned institutions such as ETH Zurich, TU Delft, and Harvard University. He is a frequent speaker and has delivered lectures at numerous conferences and universities worldwide. Christian is book editor and co-author of “Future Cities-City Futures”, published by Delft University of Technology.

photo © Zuhal Kocan

Programme
Architecture Matters 2024

Time
16.05.24
15.05.24
9:00–09:30

Coffee & Registration

9:30–11:15

Welcome & Opening Keynotes

Click for details

welcome
Nadin Heinich, plan A; Jan Friedrich, Bauwelt
Stephan Kahl, Rohde & Schwarz Immobilienmanagement

keynote ODILE DECQ, Studio Odile Decq
“Being rebellious is to question everything.”

keynote MICHAEL BRÖCKER, Table.Media

keynote Ministerial Director INGRID SIMET, Bavarian State Ministry of Construction

welcome
Nadin Heinich, plan A; Jan Friedrich, Bauwelt
Stephan Kahl, Rohde & Schwarz Immobilienmanagement

keynote ODILE DECQ, Studio Odile Decq
“Being rebellious is to question everything.”

keynote MICHAEL BRÖCKER, Table.Media

keynote Ministerial Director INGRID SIMET, Bavarian State Ministry of Construction

11:15–11:45

Networking & Coffee Break

11:45–13:30

Discussion & Opening Keynotes

Click for details

discussion JENS BÖHNLEIN, MICHAEL BRÖCKER, ELISABETH MERK, ALEXANDER MÖLL, INGRID SIMET

keynote ANUPAMA KUNDOO, Anupama Kundoo Architects

keynote KÅRE STOKHOLM POULSGAARD, 3XN (GXN)

discussion JENS BÖHNLEIN, MICHAEL BRÖCKER, ELISABETH MERK, ALEXANDER MÖLL, INGRID SIMET

keynote ANUPAMA KUNDOO, Anupama Kundoo Architects

keynote KÅRE STOKHOLM POULSGAARD, 3XN (GXN)

13:30–15:00

Networking Lunch

15:00–17:30

Focus Session 01

Click for details

Deep Dive “Capital Markets”

Stranded assets and fair distribution of transformation costs

Focus Session 02

Click for details

Focus Session 03

Click for details

Deep Dive “Radical Thinking”

New ideas from other places

Focus Session 04

Click for details

roundtable “Reimagine the Future!”
in cooperation with Doelker&

Simple – Sustainable – Digital

Focus Session 05

Click for details

Speed Dating

Move your business forward!

Deep Dive “Capital Markets”

Stranded assets and fair distribution of transformation costs

Deep Dive “Radical Thinking”

New ideas from other places

roundtable “Reimagine the Future!”
in cooperation with Doelker&

Simple – Sustainable – Digital

Speed Dating

Move your business forward!

17:30–18:00

Closing

Click for details
18:30–23:00

Opening

Click for details

LINUS NEUMANN, hacker, IT security consultant, spokesman for the Chaos Computer Club
„On Critical Infrastructure and Cyber War“

welcome: Bavarian Ministry of Economics

moderation: Nadin Heinich

special location: Frau im Mond (rooftop bar)

LINUS NEUMANN, hacker, IT security consultant, spokesman for the Chaos Computer Club
„On Critical Infrastructure and Cyber War“

welcome: Bavarian Ministry of Economics

moderation: Nadin Heinich

special location: Frau im Mond (rooftop bar)

16 May 2024: Crisis vs. Crisis – Opening Keynotes & Discussion

With, among others:
Jens Böhnlein, Commerz Real; Michael Bröcker, Table.Media; Odile Decq, Studio Odile Decq; Anupama Kundoo, Anupama Kundoo Architects; Elisabeth Merk, Planning Director City of Munich; Alexander Möll, Hines; Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard, 3XN (GXN); Ministerial Director Ingrid Simet, Bavarian State Ministry of Construction

How can we distribute the costs of green transformation fairly? What new construction options align with climate realities? Is it enough to retrofit existing buildings to solve the housing crisis? Which standards need simplifying? …

Recent months have seen a dramatic shift in the financial landscape of the property market. Construction costs have soared, making affordable housing in urban centres increasingly scarce. At the same time, the urgency of climate change is prompting many cities to set ambitious environmental goals. Financing criteria and real estate valuations are also shifting.

Amid these complex upheavals, how can we tackle social and ecological challenges as interlinked aspects? Does solving one crisis risk creating another?

With “Architecture Matters 2024 – Crisis vs. Crisis”, we aim to have an honest discussion on current conflicting priorities and chart a path for workable solutions to shape the future of construction. We combine big-picture thinking with deep dives into key themes: capital markets, building standards, and radical thinking – new ideas from other places.

16 May 2024: Focus Session

The focus sessions provide thought-provoking inputs and intimate group discussions. They provide a space to explore topics in-depth and exchange ideas directly: How are you navigating the crisis? What is your vision for future construction? What do you expect or want from others in the industry?

Places for each Focus Session are limited and will be allocated after ticket purchase. Early registration is recommended.

Focus 1: Capital Markets
Focus 2: Building Standards
Focus 3: Radical Thinking – New ideas from other places
Focus 4: Reimagine the Future! Simple – Sustainable – Digital
Focus 5: Speed Dating

Focus Session 1:
Capital Markets – Stranded assets and fair distribution of transformation costs

How do we calculate the future value of property? What characteristics do projects need to secure financing in the future? Do we need to develop new financing methods for housing alongside existing ones? What and where are investments currently being made, and where are the growth markets? Stranded assets: To what standards do we refurbish or rebuild? Who bears what costs, and how do we share them fairly? Who is currently building – and who is not?

Input and discussion with, among others:
_Jens Böhnlein, Commerz Real
_Martin Hofmann, ZAR Real Estate
_Michael Reiß, bema Gruppe

Focus Session 2:
Building Standards – What can we afford?

Where are our standards too high, making construction too expensive? Where can we simplify? How does climate-resilient design affect construction costs? Where exactly must we take action to enable affordable housing (new buildings and conversions)? Simple building – how is it done, or why has it not been done? How is it being successfully implemented in other countries? What is the responsibility of the municipality, and what is the responsibility of the state or federal government?

Contributions by:
_Matthias Alexander, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
_Peter Haimerl, Peter Haimerl Architektur
_Elisabeth Merk, Planning Director City of Munich
_Ingrid Simet, Ministerial Director Bavarian State Ministry of Construction

Focus Session 3:
Radical Thinking – New ideas from other places

Where are innovations being implemented – where is the city of the future already being lived?

Input and discussion with, among others:
_Odile Decq, Studio Odile Decq
_Anupama Kundoo, Anupama Kundoo Architects
_Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard, 3XN (GXN)
_Christian Veddeler, 3XN

Focus Session 4:
Reimagine the Future! Simple – Sustainable – Digital

Roundtable with Doelker&

Digital tools, robotics, and AI are rapidly advancing. How are these technologies being integrated into everyday planning and construction processes? How can technology help to significantly reduce the construction and real estate sector’s carbon footprint?

Specifically, GIS systems already collect vast amounts of data – How can municipalities make this data more readily available and usable? Digital twins and BIM are state-of-the-art; where can they facilitate informed decision-making for necessary, sustainable changes? And what roles do modular construction and building type E play in making building simpler, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly?

An interdisciplinary roundtable combining planning, construction, management, research, and administration perspectives.

With contributions by:
_Anne Niemann, Professor at Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences | “Building – Simple – Ecolocical”
_Michael Willimek, Managing Director Doelker& | “Building – Simple – Digital”

moderation: Frank Kaltenbach, Detail

Guests include:
_Elisabeth Endres, Professor of Building Technology, TU Braunschweig
_Thomas Kirmayr, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Building Innovation Alliance, Head of the SME 4.0 Competence Centre for Planning and Building
_Rainer Post, Architect BDA, doranth post architekten, Member of the Board of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects

Initiated by Hannes Dölker and Martin Schnitzer, Managing Director of Doelker& and Schnitzer&.

Focus Session 5:
Speed Dating. Move Your Business Forward!

A central focus of Architecture Matters is stronger networking between the architecture and real estate industries – fostering dialogue at eye level. Our speed dating sessions bring ambitious (young) architects and potential clients into direct contact. Fresh, contemporary ideas shake up conventional planning approaches to open up new possibilities.

 

Tickets
Architecture Matters 2024

Tickets are sold online via EVENTBRITE.

All conference tickets include participation in the Focus Sessions and all-day catering (a.o. incl. networking lunch)

AM 24 – Opening
180.- EUR
AM 24 – Conference Early Bird | until 24.3.2024
180.- EUR
AM 24 – Combined Ticket (Opening & Conference) Early Bird | until 24.3.2024
250.- EUR
AM 24 – Conference regular | from 25.3.2024
220.- EUR
AM 24 – Combined Ticket (Opening & Conference) regular | from 25.3.2024
320.- EUR
AM 24 – Conference Student (with valid ID)
50.- EUR

Partner

Lead Partners

Bavarian economic policy aims to promote sustainable economic growth in Bavaria, including expanding the cultural and creative industries as a robust, future-oriented economic and growth sector.

www.stmwi.bayern.de

Grant Thornton are auditors, tax advisors, and lawyers with a passion – and one of the ten largest auditing firms in Germany. With its international network in 140 countries, Grant Thornton develops innovative solutions for dynamic companies. In Germany, it has more than 1,500 employees at 11 locations.

www.grantthornton.de/en/

The iCampus work-life quarter is an important part of the multi-award-winning Werksviertel urban development in Munich, located on the former industrial site behind Munich’s Ostbahnhof railway station. Today, it is not only an attractive address for companies, but also the local supply center of the entire Werksviertel.

www.icampus-muenchen.de

Premium Partners

BMK Böhm Mohr Kleiner & Partner – Rechtsanwälte & Steuerberater is a leading law firm in Munich specializing in public law.

www.bmk-rs.de

dormakaba is one of the globe’s most successful suppliers of intelligent access and security solutions – with 150 years of experience, 15,0000 employees in over 130 countries, and millions of installed products and solutions worldwide.

www.dormakaba.com

Gira is a leading full-range supplier of intelligent system solutions for electrical and networked digital building control. From its founding in 1905 to the present day, the family-owned company has been making our lives and homes more comfortable, safer, and more energy-efficient.

www.gira.de

Hines is a global property manager, developer and investor. Founded in 1957 by Gerald D. Hines, the company is now active in 30 countries. Hines currently manages real estate worth almost 94 billion euros.

www.hines.com

TECE is a globally active manufacturer of sanitary products and installation systems. For over 30 years, the independent, family-run company has cultivated an open and pioneering spirit in close dialogue with customers and markets.

www.tece.com

TRILUX – Simplify Your Light stands for the simplest way to intelligent, individual light. TRILUX has been inspiring its customers with high-quality and individual lighting solutions for over 100 years.

www.trilux.com

WICONA BY HYDRO is an experienced global player for aluminum systems. As a pioneer in the construction industry, WICONA focuses on sustainable aluminum solutions for windows, doors and facades and is consistently committed to a genuine circular economy.

www.wicona.com

Focus Partners

As an owner-managed project development company based in Düsseldorf, the bema Group is already in its third generation of developing forward-looking residential and office properties as well as sustainable urban districts with a long lifespan.

www.bema-gruppe.com

Doelker& – the sister company of Schnitzer& – advises and assists companies in digitizing their construction workflows. They support their clients in all phases of digital transformation.

www.doelkerund.de

ZAR Real Estate Holding is a fully integrated developer of real estate projects and properties with operations throughout Germany.

www.zar-holding.com

Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. Along with their expansive community of brands, Steelcase designs and manufactures innovative furnishings and solutions to help people do their best work in the many places where work happens.

www.steelcase.com

Media- & Cooperation Partners

Fast Forward Magazine