Heritage: a tool or a support?

The city of Esch-sur-Alzette invites you to dive into the core of discussions shaping the architecture of today and tomorrow during its very first Architecture Symposium (29.11.2024, 09h00 – 18h00). For this inaugural edition, the theme "Architecture and Heritage" will shed light on the crucial challenges surrounding the preservation of the past and the innovations of the future. This symposium will bring together professionals, thinkers, and key players in the field to explore a central question: how can we blend heritage with innovation in urban development? Entitled ‘Heritage, tool or medium?’, this final session will present concrete examples and feedback on how heritage can be the driving force behind innovative projects while remaining a tool for preservation.

In this context, Günter Zamp-Kelp, a founding member of Haus-Rucker Co, takes us back over the origins and current status of the iconic work ‘Oase nr.7’, first installed in 1972 and reactivated last July on the façade of Esch-sur-Alzette town hall as part of the Dis-placed exhibition organised by the Konschthal Esch. Created ex-nihilo in the context of Esch2022 European Capital of Culture and under the direction of Christian Mosar since 2021, the Konschthal Esch and the Bridderhaus artists' residence are now part of the Esch cultural landscape. But what are the advantages and challenges posed by pre-existing architecture for artistic programming? What role do institutions play at a time when contemporary art concepts seem more open than ever?

Organised by: Biennale 2024, Esch Capital Culturelle (Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette)

Speakers: Jim Clemes (architect), René Penning (director KUFA), Günter Zamp Kelp (architect)

Joined by: Catherine Medernach (INPA), Christian Mosar (director Konschthal Esch), Jean-Claude Welter (Ordre des architectes et des ingénieurs-conseils-OAI)

Languages: Luxembourgish, French, German (simultaneous translation in FR/DE)

Location: Kulturfabrik (grande salle)

Further information on : Symposium sur l’architecture et le patrimoine | Esch Capitale Culturelle.

Free of charge | Subject to availability | Booking required.