→↓ Architecture in Itself

Architecture is the physical presence of the principle of Cause and Effect. It transforms social processes into aesthetic values and bridges the gap between history and now. That is any form of intervention or event in a spatial context will produce a certain response in the form of an action or another event.

Architecture is responsible for the spatial framework and designed context in which actions and events take place, thereby architecture will effect a certain use and quality for the appropriation of space.

Architecture is not just like kicking a ball, it is (and was always) embedded in a political, social, economical and ecological context. It is the formed background where the differences between needs and wants are spatially negotiated.

Architecture is a way of thinking and a reflection of the surrounding material world. Within times of austerity and a critical reflection of modernity, knowledge, experience and imagination are essential for the everyday practice of architectural design.


Dialectics of large and small, abstract and real, theory and practice describes the field in which we move as architects: Space in all its manifestations, starting with the disposition and characteristics of cities and landscapes to the architectural context of form and construction.

Improvisation is a crucial method and practice for experimental and situative design. It means the ability of reacting, making and creating in the response to the stimulus of an immediate spatial and programmatic environment.

Improvisation can result in the invention of new structures, new forms, new practices or parameters, and new ways towards unusual aesthetics. The experimental method of situative designing explores the great potentials of what is already there. Our natural ressources are limited thus we have to take care of the materials and structures which are yet at our disposal.

Contemporary sustainability means to develop concepts which modify, revaluate, reuse, recycle or reorganise urban and architectural spaces in order to uncover, intensify and activate the specific qualities and charecteristics of a tangible spatial situation.

The concept of improvisation incorporates literally the idea of any possible improvement and also its connection to the fields of visual cultures.

Christian M. Dengler, Dipl.-Ing. Architect

Born in Hamm/Westphalia. Studies in Architecture, Graz University of Technology and Moscow Architectural Institute. Work for different international offices, amongst others Roos & Schregenberger Zurich, Behnisch & Partner Stuttgart, Volker Giencke and Klaus Kada Graz, Agence Ter Paris. Lecturer in Architecture at Graz University of Technology, Institute of History of Art and at Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Structural Engineering and Design. In 2005 founder of DENGLAB (formerly StudioCE) studio for experimental urban architecture in Graz and Berlin. Since 2008 Adjunct Professor for Architecture Design and since 2013 Director of the CityLAB:Berlin of Norwich University School of Architecture and Art. 2014-15 visiting professor for urban design at OTH Regensburg. Numerous prices and awards, amongst others Friedrich Zotter Preis for Experimental Architecture and Otto Wagner Städtebaupreis.

Collaborators

Anaïs Charton, Zach Cohen, Marion Combas, Colin Comfort, Taylor Davidson, Michael DiBenedetto, Eva Dietrich, Sophie Gallus, Toru Higuchi, Elisabeth Krammer, Carla Llaudó Torres, Barbara Schmelzer-Ziringer, Holger Schwarz, Lydia Wissa

Clients include

HKW, Haus der Kulturen der Welt (house of world cultures), Berlin / Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), Berlin / Other Music Academy (OMA), Weimar / City of Weimar, Weimar / City Council of Villach, Villach (Austria) / tokyobike company, Tokyo (Japan) / City council of Vienna, Vienna (Austria) / Nordic Embassies Berlin, Berlin / private clients

Contact

DENGLAB
office@denglab.com

Related links

123buero.com / pixelpolizei.de / tokyobike.de
hkw.de / yiddishsummer.eu / othermusic.eu
zdf.de / thomasbendel.de / tokyobike.de
urbanizers.de / agenceter.com / bbz.la
derhausfreund.info / park.co.at / gpl.at
mareikelee.com / transbanana.com
parkhausprojects.tk / michaelsontag.de
daniel-diederich.de / stanhema.com
muenz8.de / pony-pedro.de / studiovlay.at
joostmeuwissen.nl

Imprint

Responsible: DENGLAB
Architect Christian M. Dengler
Concept&Design: Timo Gaessner
Programming: Reingard Ebner, pixelpolizei