Neubrandenburg celebrates 777 years: Women's power in architecture!

Neubrandenburg celebrates 777 years: Women's power in architecture!

Neubrandenburg, Deutschland - Neubrandenburg celebrates two significant anniversaries this year: 777 years of city history and 60 years of the House of Culture and Education (HKB). While the monotonous character of prefabricated buildings is often criticized, the Nordkurier that enabled this construction to be efficient. The city is also known for architectural peculiarities, such as the town hall of Ulrich Müther and the HKB, which was created under the direction of the city architect Iris Grund.

iris Grund, who worked as a city architect from 1970 to 1990, is one of the few women in such a high position during the GDR era. She already won a competition for the design of the HKB at the age of 26 and successfully managed its construction. Your achievements are part of the celebrations of the “Women in Architecture” festival, which recognizes the important contributions of women in architecture.

the festival "Women in Architecture"

The festival will be organized in Neubrandenburg from June 19 to 28. The central events include a dialogue event entitled "Experience Ostmoderne" in the HKB and an architectural salon with various formats. The extension of the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences will also be presented on June 29. The organizers, the architecture firm of Susann Milatz and Ullrich Schmidt, also address male dominance in the architectural profession, which often prevents women from getting into management positions.

Milatz and Schmidt are committed to strengthening architecture training in the region, since Neubrandenburg does not have a full degree in civil engineering. The last of this kind was discontinued in 2012. The increasing pressure to create new living space requires new strategies, they emphasize. "We have to inspire students for the region," said Milatz. Another challenge is communication with investors to gain more support for architectural projects.

women in architecture

The role of women in architecture has changed a lot in the course of history. The proportion of women of architecture students is currently 54 %, but decreases during the family phase. Historically speaking, women often had less recognition in architecture, although they have made significant contributions, as Die Wikipedia . The first professional architect in the USA, Louise Blanchard Bethune, and many other women in architecture were pioneers in a professional field dominated by men.

The feminist organizations, such as the FOPA, were founded to fight against the underrepresentation of women in architecture. The festival in Neubrandenburg aims to promote the exchange about architecture and the role of women in this area and to increase the visibility of these often overlooked contributions.

The events that take place on the occasion of the city anniversaries offer an excellent opportunity to discuss the history and future of Neubrandenburg architecture and to duly appreciate the influence of women and Iris Grund on the cityscape.