Fight for the biscuit box: Uni-Hörsaal occupied-monument protection in danger!

Fight for the biscuit box: Uni-Hörsaal occupied-monument protection in danger!

The central high -rise of the University of Bremen, colloquially called "biscuit box", is the focus of the discussions about monument protection and activism. The building, which was opened in 1975 and was designed by the architects Henn and Petersen, is considered an important example of the brutalist architecture of the 1970s. The State Office for the Preservation of Monuments has now submitted an expert opinion that classifies the "biscuit box" as worth protecting. This assessment is temporary and is placed in the committees to further examine the possible effects. A Senate template points out that in the event of a monument protection position, increased planning efforts and increasing costs can be expected. In particular, more complex structural processes would be expected, which may have to take the legal process in order to take action against the expert opinion. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte heads the cultural department, which is responsible for the State Monument Office.

The discussion about the building is currently overlapping with a remarkable action by the climate activists. Around 40 members of the group "End Fossil: Occupy!" have occupied an auditorium in the biscuit box on Tuesday to draw attention to the destruction of the environment by fossil capitalism. This line -up is tolerated by the university and should continue until at least Sunday. The activists plan to take a standstill and discuss alternative ways of life.

activist occupation and their goals

The activists' demands are diverse. This includes the abolition of "unjust" tuition fees, the regular study period and the limitation of the examination attempts. They also speak against collaborations by the university with "future and misanthropic" corporations. In order to clarify their concerns, the activists have organized a daily program that includes discussions, lectures and action training.

While the university has been relocated to events that should take place in the ceks can in the lecture hall, the opinions about the line -up are shared. There is sharp criticism, especially on the Internet, since the impairment of study by protest does not fail to be unnoticed. This form of protest is practiced not only in Bremen, but also at over 20 other universities and universities in Germany.

monument protection and the value of the architecture

The MZH, as the building is officially called, has a floor area of ​​almost 10,000 square meters and was originally designed for 600 students and 400 administrative employees. The process of monument protection position could run over several months. The university may have to conclude a public service contract before the monument protection officially comes into force. Another example of the balance between preservation and modernization is provided by the vinegar house in Langenstraße, where historical elements have been preserved, while modern standards were implemented.

brutalist architecture has gained importance in recent years, especially since the opening of exhibitions such as "SOS Brutalism - Save the Concrete Monsters!" In the German Architecture Museum 2017. This exhibition, which puts the monumental buildings from the 1950s to 1970s worldwide, attracted numerous visitors and revived the debate about the preservation of these structures. It is also said to have contributed to forming an international canon of brutalist architecture and discussing, which is shown by the great interest and the large number of stations of the exhibition, also in cities such as Vienna and Taipei.

In view of the impending decisions about monument protection and the continuing protests, it remains to be seen how the situation around the "biscuit box" will develop. The challenges for the university and the city of Bremen are complex and require a sensitive approach.